THT Research predicts Chinese polysilicon output to reach 2,000 tons in 2008

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Of
the anticipated 51,000 metric tons of global polysilicon production for
2008, THT Research expects 2,000 metric tons of that figure to be
contributed by China. The expected increase on the output of 1,000 tons
produced by China in 2007 has been pegged as a result of improved
polysilicon production processes in the country.

However, of the 20-plus China-based polysilicon plant projects at various stages of development, only four Chinese producers are in volume production. THT Research therefore believes that China’s polysilicon supply contribution will remain limited for a few more years.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

“Even though there are at least 20 polysilicon projects now underway in China, technical, know-how, logistics, and product purity problems abound; we don’t expect more than eight of them to succeed in the long run,” said Susan Gordon, an analyst at THT Research. “After 2009, China’s production will begin to grow more rapidly, reaching 7,000 metric tons, but it will not seriously challenge North American, European and Japanese dominance in the industry in the near future.”

There has been much debate about when the expected significant increase in polysilicon production will impact the market. Many PV manufacturers are expecting prices to decline in the second half of 2008 for long-term contracts. SunPower, for example, said in its prepared statement covering its quarterly financial figures that it expects prices to decline by approximately 10 percent by the end of 2008.

Some market analysts believe that meaningful polysilicon price reductions will not be seen until later in 2009.

By Síle Mc Mahon 

Read Next

July 1, 2025
A five-year research initiative is underway in Australia to test the viability of floating solar systems on irrigation dams.
Premium
June 30, 2025
Solargis CEO Marcel Suri explores three areas where new standards could help underpin greater efficiency, accuracy and market resilience.
June 30, 2025
Heliene has completed the sale of Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credits in association with Minnesota-based U.S. Bank.
June 30, 2025
Eni subsidiary Plentiude has started operations at the northern block of its 330MW Renopool solar portfolio in Spain.
June 30, 2025
Voting on the US tax reconciliation bill is expected to begin in the Senate today, following a draft published on Friday that hit clean energy tax credits hard.
June 30, 2025
The Spanish government has launched a €100 million (US$117 million) aid programme to help promote the recycling and reuse of materials from renewable energy projects.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
July 2, 2025
Bangkok, Thailand
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece