New Focus on Solar by Chemical Makers
With the increasing interest in going solar, a few chemical makers have been reported as investing significant resources in the R&D and production of chemicals and related products to support the growing market.
Chemical & Engineering News featured an article on the topic, saying that, “The news stands in contrast to recent spending cuts by chemical companies, but it does not surprise industry watchers. Georgina Benedetti, research analyst for Frost & Sullivan, says the projects were likely triggered by the extension of tax credits for the U.S. renewable energy sector.
These new projects will increase capacity and advance research for chemical components of both traditional polysilicon solar cells and newer thin-film modules.
Dow Corning will increase manufacturing capacity for polysilicon and silane (SiH4); both raw materials have been in short supply in recent years. Both polysilicon and silane are used in the production of solar cells.
According to writer Melody Voith, “Silane gas is used to deposit a thin layer of silicon in the manufacture of thin-film photovoltaics. Because they require less silicon, the cells are cheaper to produce, although they are not as efficient as traditional polysilicon solar panels.”
Konarka Technologies is entering into R&D agreements with the French oil and gas giant Total. Voith reports, “The partners will focus on new solar cell components, with Total providing expertise from chemical subsidiaries Atotech, Bostik, Hutchinson, Sartomer, and Total Petrochemicals.”
Solar Buzz keeps tabs on the growth of solar electric energy demand and says that “demand has grown consistently by 20-25% per annum over the past 20 years. This has been against a backdrop of rapidly declining costs and prices. This decline has been driven by:
- Increasing efficiency of solar cells
- Manufacturing technology improvements
- Economies of scale
With giants such as Dow Corning, Total, and other companies now investing in solar energy continuing to commit to advancing research, development, and manufacturing capacity and efficiency, the global use of solar energy will expand exponentially.
photo credit: American Chemical Society
Posted on February 10th in Solar News by Euphrasia.