Solar energy transition threatened by glass shortage

Even the most environmentally friendly initiatives cannot be problematic. Solar panels, for example, are an excellent source of renewable energy, but few people think that a shortage of glass can stop them from working.

China's plans to accelerate the transition to clean energy are greatly hampered by rising prices for photovoltaic panels. Since July, due to a shortage of glass, their cost has increased by 71%.

The development of solar power has led companies to order double-sided panels that increase power but require more glass.

Solar panel manufacturers see only one way out of the situation - the creation of new glass factories. Otherwise, the development of the industry will stop, as solar energy will become too expensive.

“If solar producers find solar projects unprofitable, they will postpone the investment. This will reduce the demand for solar energy, ”said Charles Jiang, General Manager of Longi.

Building factories takes a long time. Even if we start now, China will still get 20-30% less glass next year. Experts are confident that the market will not come to equilibrium until 2022 - by that time, glass factories will be able to stabilize production.

Source: https://ecosphere.press/