When we completed the first edition of the Chemicals and Materials for Solar Cells and Modules in 2007, the two most common questions we received were:
1. How high will polysilicon pricing go?
2. Where we will get the silane required to demand from thin film consumption?
Our initial response is not what many clients expected, as we were calling for the end of the polysilicon cycle, with the market soon to be in over-supply. This would have lowered poly prices and favored future market growth back towards crystalline technology. This analysis surprised some clients in 2007 (see below):
CRITICAL QUESTIONS STILL REMAIN TODAY
Despite strong industry growth over the last several years, there are still critical questions to be answered, especially as many materials suppliers are looking at the next round of capital expenditures to maintain or grow their position in the industry.
Recent estimates have placed the cumulative capex of materials suppliers at almost $80 billion over the next ten years.
Key areas for investment include:
- Gases
- Process Chemicals
- Polymers
- Pastes
- Laminated sheets
- Metals
- Glass
- Silicon
Linx-AEI provides the critical perspectives on technologies and markets that planners and business managers require to minimize risk and understand key points of uncertainty around future materials requirements. In today's volatile environment, making a small investment in intelligence now up can increase profits exponentially in the future.
Can you afford not to gain these valuable insights?
