The surge in photovoltaic (PV) module capacity has led to new investments in solar glass production across the globe. An influx of facilities has been noticed in North America, India, and China, with the unique proposition of using recycled material for solar glass production. This swift expansion is fostering a brighter future for diverse solar companies, ultimately benefiting you if you’re seeking solar panels for your home.
Silfab Solar, a module manufacturer based out of Canada, recently announced its intention to source glass from Solarcycle—a U.S. based PV panel recycler planning to build a $344 million solar glass production facility in Georgia. The future of domestic solar manufacturing holds the promise of job creation, research, development, and growth in the U.S.
The demand for solar glass has shown robust growth globally and the market seems to be currently flourishing. Andries Wantenaar, a representative from Rethink Technology Research, revealed that there was a significant increase of 66% in every segment of China’s solar manufacturing industry in 2023. The solar market outside China also showed explosive growth, doubling its output from 65 GW in 2022 to around 130 GW in 2023.
The rising popularity of bifacial modules is predicted to increase the share of glass in module costs. These double-sided solar modules typically employ thinner glass (2 mm generally) compared to conventional panels (3.2 mm). The mechanical requirements of glass may vary depending upon the different markets. For example, due to extreme weather conditions such as hail, solar company installations in the U.S. might require thicker tempered glass for their solar array for home.
The stable price of solar-grade glass and the increasing demand have paved the way for new entrants into the solar glass production industry. Canadian Premium Sand (CPS) is one such fresh entrant. The company plans to construct a factory in Selkirk, Manitoba, to produce 1.8mm-4mm thick solar glass module covers, sufficient for 6 GW of solar panels annually. The CPS project involves multiple tempered and patterned solar glass lines, which also feature anti-reflective and anti-soiling coating lines.
Producers like CPS and Solarcycle are also exploring the potential of recycled glass. Using recovered materials from end-of-life crystalline silicon panels reduces energy demand and embodied carbon. Ultimately, such sustainable practices contribute to a greener environment and align perfectly with the ethos of a solar company.
Clearly, the solar glass market is picking up impressive momentum. These exciting developments serve as testament to the bright future of the solar industry. As the world continues to rely on renewable energy sources, the prospects for solar panels for your home and a residential solar array are becoming increasingly prominent and promising. Keep watching this space for the latest updates and trends in the solar industry.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/05/17/no-ceiling-on-u-s-glass-opportunity/
