How M10 Silicon Slice Production is Responding to 5.36% Growth?
The solar photovoltaic industry has been on the rise in recent years, with more and more people turning to renewable energy. Solar panels are key components that harness sunlight to generate electricity and are made of silicon wafers. Therefore, the price of silicon has a significant impact on the cost of solar panel production. In recent weeks, silicon wafer prices have fluctuated, especially P-type M10 silicon wafers, which have experienced a slight price increase. In this article, we will analyze the reasons behind the price increase and explore the current state of the silicon market.
International Energy Network learned that on January 11, the Silicon Industry Branch announced the latest silicon wafer prices. The average transaction price of M10 monocrystalline silicon wafers (182mm/150μm) rose to 2.00 yuan/piece, a week-on-week increase of 5.26; the average transaction price of N-type monocrystalline silicon wafers (182mm/130μm) dropped to 2.06 yuan/piece, a week-on-week increase A decrease of 1.90%; the average transaction price of G12 monocrystalline silicon wafers (210 mm/150 μm) dropped to 2.89 yuan/piece, a week-on-week decrease of 3.67%.
The Silicon Industry Association stated that the reason for the increase in P-type M10 silicon wafer prices is the market supply shortage. After the P-type M10 was converted into a customized product, there was a temporary supply shortage, and the integration company significantly reduced the production load. In addition, most P-type furnaces were converted to N-type, resulting in a slight decrease in P-type M10 production capacity, resulting in a slight price increase.
To further understand the reasons for the price increase, it is important to note the difference between P-type silicon and N-type silicon. P-type silicon contains impurities that form electron holes, which can create electron-deficient regions called "holes." On the other hand, N-type silicon is doped with impurities such as phosphorus, which generates excess electrons, thereby forming an electron-rich region. N-type silicon is better suited for solar panels because it allows for more efficient movement of electrons.
In terms of operating rate, according to data from the Silicon Industry Branch, the operating rate of silicon wafer companies this week was the same as last week, and the operating rates of the two first-tier companies remained at 65% and 95% respectively. The operating rates of integrated enterprises have remained between 75% and 80%, while the operating rates of other enterprises have dropped to between 40% and 100%.
In recent years, with the rapid expansion of the solar photovoltaic industry, the demand for silicon has risen sharply. As a result, silicon manufacturers increased production capacity, causing silicon prices to drop significantly. Nonetheless, P-type M10 prices have seen a slight increase due to a temporary supply shortage of P-type M10 silicon wafers and increased demand. Still, the overall trend is downward as new silicon manufacturing technologies are being developed aimed at lowering production costs.
In summary, the recent increase in P-type M10 silicon prices is due to the shift to N-type silicon and the impact of manufacturing activity causing temporary supply shortages. The continued expansion of the solar photovoltaic industry and the prioritization of sustainability in energy production will continue to increase demand for silicon, encouraging continued innovation in the market.