NEW GLOBAL POLYSILICON DEMAND BREWING

Global Demand for Polysilicon to Surge 25% in 2014…

February 10, 2014 (SolarBuzz)

“Demand for polysilicon used in solar and semiconductor applications is expected to rise sharply to 282,000 metric tons in 2014, up 25% versus last year…driven by the rapid increase in end-market solar photovoltaic (PV) module shipments, which are now expected to reach approximately 49 gigawatts (GW) this year…Semiconductor polysilicon is a high value-added segment, but future demand growth in this mature market is only expected to be modest…[S]olar PV-grade polysilicon has less stringent purity requirements, but it has the potential for very high growth rates when solar panel demand is strong; however, it can…take three to six months after polysilicon is produced for it to be converted into wafers and cells, and then shipped as finished modules through distribution channels for installation. This lag time can push polysilicon demand higher than module demand, in a rapidly expanding market…Robust end-market solar PV demand continues to drive polysilicon production levels…[which] raises module efficiencies and reduces costs, which will remain important priorities…” click here for more

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