**Abstract**
The role of photovoltaic power generation within the polysilicon industry has been steadily growing. In 2012, global new PV installations reached 32 GW, and cumulative worldwide capacity surpassed 100 GW, with Germany alone reaching 32 GW, placing it at the top. By the first half of 2011, Germany's renewable energy production achieved a historical milestone, meeting 28% of its electricity demand. For the first time, solar power exceeded hydropower, accounting for 3.5% of total electricity consumption. Following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan and increased smog in China, there has been a rising interest in clean and efficient energy sources. Solar photovoltaics have emerged as one of the most prominent focuses. In 2013, global PV installations were expected to reach 35 GW, reflecting a continuous upward trend in photovoltaic capacity worldwide.
**Polysilicon Industry Background**
Polysilicon serves as a fundamental raw material for both the information technology and photovoltaic industries. Many countries classify it as a strategic resource, offering policy support and financial incentives. However, due to a lack of industrialized production technology, domestic demand was long reliant on imports. It wasn't until 2005 that Luoyang Zhongsi High-Tech Co., Ltd., in collaboration with China Enfei Engineering Technology Co., Ltd., established China’s first industrial-scale demonstration line, breaking foreign technological barriers and market monopolies.
In recent years, China's polysilicon industry has grown rapidly, achieving large-scale supply. In 2011, China produced 82,000 tons of polysilicon, becoming the world's leading producer and alleviating domestic supply constraints. By 2012, China’s nominal polysilicon capacity reached 180,000 tons per year, with domestic consumption at 143,000 tons. If downstream enterprises fully utilized their production capacity, they would consume over 200,000 tons of polysilicon annually.
As photovoltaic commercialization progresses, the cost of polysilicon production is expected to decline. At present, the key criterion for survival among polysilicon companies is the cost gap compared to world-class competitors.
Globally, the polysilicon industry is highly concentrated, with only seven major producers operating for the past 30 years, mainly in the U.S. and Japan. In China, the high-price market attracted many capital-driven companies into the sector, but due to a lack of core technology and management capabilities, few could sustain cost reductions. By 2010, some companies had intermittent operations, and by 2011, most had ceased production.
Market challenges have led to the elimination of small-scale and outdated enterprises, increasing industry concentration. Effective polysilicon production refers to sustainable supply with internationally competitive costs. Currently, China’s effective production capacity is less than 100,000 tons/year, with only about 3.8 companies capable of providing this level of output.
China's polysilicon industry has long relied heavily on imports, with over 50% of photovoltaic-grade polysilicon and 100% of electronic-grade polysilicon imported. The industry faces significant pressure from the economic crisis, trade wars, and currency fluctuations. Misleading media coverage has further complicated the situation, portraying the industry as "high energy-consuming and polluting."
By 2012, 80% of Chinese polysilicon companies had been idle for over a year, with an average utilization rate of just one-third. In Q1 2013, national production fell below 10,000 tons, with utilization rates under 25%. Despite rising demand for silicon in the photovoltaic sector, supply hasn’t kept up, resulting in declining industrial safety.
Since 2009, China's reliance on imported polysilicon has remained around 50%, supporting the growth of its photovoltaic and information industries. In 2012, China's polysilicon output accounted for a quarter of the global total.åœäº§ of domestic enterprises threatens global supply-demand balance, potentially causing price hikes for raw materials and higher production costs for Chinese PV companies. Thus, polysilicon serves as a critical shield, stabilizing import prices and providing a protective umbrella for the entire photovoltaic industry. The fates of the polysilicon and photovoltaic sectors are closely linked, and internal competition within the supply chain is detrimental to overall development.
**Polysilicon Energy Consumption Analysis**
Photovoltaic power generation differs from coal-based thermal power in that it directly converts sunlight into electricity using the photovoltaic effect of semiconductors. Although polysilicon requires energy during production, it generates significantly more energy as a core component of solar systems. This makes its energy return rate much higher than traditional industrial products.
According to calculations, the total energy consumption across the entire photovoltaic supply chain—from silica smelting to system installation—is approximately 1.60 kWh/W. Each step involves specific energy requirements: silica sand to metallurgical silicon (13 kWh/kg), metallurgical silicon to polysilicon (120 kWh/kg), polysilicon to polycrystalline silicon (30 kWh/kg), wafers to cells (0.2 kWh/W), cells to modules (0.15 kWh/W), and modules to systems (0.25 kWh/W).
Based on these figures, the total energy consumption is 1.60 kWh/W. With a 25-year lifespan and an average annual yield of 1.5 kWh/W, the energy recovery ratio reaches 23.4, meaning 1 kWh of energy can generate 23.4 kWh over time. The energy payback period is about 1.3 years, and with technological improvements, this could drop below one year.
Solar panels typically last 25 years and require minimal maintenance. Even after 25 years, their efficiency remains around 80% of original levels. Some panels have been in use for over 30 years. Compared to coal, which consumes 324 grams of standard coal per kWh, photovoltaic systems use only 518.4 grams of coal equivalent per watt, making them a cleaner energy source.
**Polysilicon Cleaning Production Roadmap**
With process improvements, polysilicon production can achieve clean and sustainable practices. Initially, by-products like silicon tetrachloride caused environmental concerns. However, companies like China Silicon High-Tech have developed hydrogenation technology to recycle these by-products, reducing costs and pollution.
Public perception has been influenced by misleading reports, such as claims that Chinese solar manufacturers dump waste. In reality, rigorous inspections confirmed compliance with environmental standards. In 2009, China Silicon High-Tech received the National Environmental Protection Award, highlighting its commitment to sustainability.
Silicon tetrachloride, once considered a pollutant, is now recycled into trichlorosilane, with 95% of by-products reused. The remaining 5% is used for other products like gas-phase white carbon black, ensuring a closed-loop system.
**Comparative Analysis of Polysilicon Production Processes**
Currently, two main methods are used: the improved Siemens method and the silane method. The Siemens method is widely adopted and dominates the industry, while the silane method is less common. The choice between them depends on factors like cost, efficiency, and technological maturity.
**Foreign Polysilicon Industry Policies**
The U.S. and Germany provide substantial government support to their polysilicon industries through subsidies, tax breaks, and infrastructure investments. These policies have helped foreign companies gain a competitive edge, putting pressure on Chinese firms.
**Policy Recommendations**
To ensure the stability and growth of the polysilicon industry, China should support advanced enterprises, encourage technological upgrades, and promote diversification. Opening the photovoltaic market for direct trading can also boost adoption. Creating a fair competitive environment is essential to counteract global protectionist measures and support domestic enterprises in international markets.
In conclusion, despite current challenges, the polysilicon industry has made significant progress and holds a vital position in the future of renewable energy. With continued innovation and policy support, it can lead the way toward a sustainable energy future.
Heilongjiang Junhe Building Materials Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.junhejiancai.com