Polycrystalline Silicon Availability for Photovoltaic and Semiconductor Industries†

Abstract

Polycrystalline silicon is an essential material for the production of semiconductor devices and photovoltaic solar cells. The availability of the material at low prices is critical to ensure the existence and growth of the photovoltaic industry. The ever-increasing demand for semiconductor devices, ie, integrated circuit and power devices, resulted in concern for the availability of refined silicon for photovoltaic solar cells. Three surveys were conducted to update the information based on the capacities of polycrystalline silicon refiners and plans for expansion. This paper presents the results of the surveys - summarizing the market forecast for polycrystalline silicon, the free world polycrystalline production capacity forecast, and the status of the new technology processes for the production of low cost polycrystalline silicon. It can be concluded that the aggressive semiconductor devices market, coupled with a potential photovoltaic market, should assure the polycrystalline silicon refining industry a flourishing future.