Preliminary supply of photovoltaic panels

How can solar PV supply chain diversification reduce supply chain risks?

Because diversification is one of the key strategies for reducing supply chain risks, the report assesses the opportunities and challenges of developing solar PV supply chains in terms of job creation, investment requirements, manufacturing costs, emissions and recycling.

Is solar PV a global supply chain?

Special Report on Solar PV Global Supply Chains Solar PV is a crucial pillar of clean energy transitions worldwide, underpinning efforts to reach international energy and climate goals. Over the last decade, the amount of solar PV deployed around the world has increased massively while its costs have declined drastically.

Is the PV module supply chain undergoing transformation in 2024?

The PV module supply chain is undergoing transformation in 2024, marked by oversupply, policy uncertainty, and low prices affecting manufacturing capacity expansion and factory utilization rates. Oversupply has been central to the solar supply chain since the second quarter of 2023 but there are signs the trend is shifting.

Are solar PV supply chains cost-competitive?

Currently, the cost competitiveness of existing solar PV manufacturing is a key challenge to diversifying supply chains. China is the most cost-competitive location to manufacture all components of the solar PV supply chain. Costs in China are 10% lower than in India, 20% lower than in the United States, and 35% lower than in Europe.

Is polysilicon a bottleneck for solar PV?

Global capacity for manufacturing wafers and cells, which are key solar PV elements, and for assembling them into solar panels (also known as modules), exceeded demand by at least 100% at the end of 2021. By contrast, production of polysilicon, the key material for solar PV, is currently a bottleneck in an otherwise oversupplied supply chain.

How can a solar PV supply chain be sustainable?

Ensure environmental and social sustainability Strengthen international cooperation on creating clear and transparent standards, taking into account environmental and social sustainability criteria. Focus on skills development, worker protection and social inclusion across the solar PV supply chain.