Why are solar wafer manufacturers increasing production capacity in China?

Most solar wafer manufacturers are upping their production capacity in China to cater for growing demand for larger wafer sizes. Image: GCL

Are solar wafers becoming more competitive in China?

Typically the terrain of LONGi Green Energy, which has dominated the market for the past six years, the solar wafer production field in China is becoming increasingly competitive, with other companies keen to capitalise on the high demand for silicon wafers.

Who owns Yinchuan city's largest single wafer project?

A 50GW (G12) solar grade mono silicon smart plant, thought to be the largest ever single wafer project, was officially launched in Yinchuan City on March 17, 2021. The plant is owned by Ningxia Zhonghuan Solar Material, a subsidiary of Zhonghuan Semiconductor.

What are the business models for PV Silicon wafer enterprises?

There are mainly two types of business models for PV silicon wafer enterprises: the “vertically integrated” model adopted by LONGi Green Energy, TCL Zhonghuan, JinkoSolar and JA Technology, while Shangji Automation, Shuangliang Eco-energy, Jiangsu Meike and JingYuntong adopt the “independent and specialised” model.

Which solar companies are demanding a standardization of wafer sizes?

Trina Solar, JinkoSolar, JA Solar, Longi, Risen, Canadian Solar, Tongwei, Chint, and Das Solar have issued a joint statement demanding the standardization of wafer sizes.

Where are silicon wafers made?

The other two newly emerged stars also achieved record-high growth with prominent profits despite comparatively lower volumes. Currently, most of the world’s silicon wafer production capacity is located in China, where all of the top 10 manufacturers are based.