Amorphous Silicon PV Market Outlook- 2030
Amorphous silicon (a-Si) is the non-crystalline form of silicon used for production of solar cells. It is deposited in thin films onto a variety of flexible substrates, such as glass, metal, and plastic, as a semiconductor material for a-Si solar cells, or thin-film silicon solar cells. Although amorphous silicon cells have a low efficiency, they are one of the most ecologically benign photovoltaic technologies since they do not include any harmful heavy metals like cadmium or lead. Amorphous silicon thin film is a well-developed solar cell manufacturing technology that is used in a variety of applications, including pocket calculators, solar wristwatches, electronic calculator powering, and vehicle accessories.
Amorphous silicon is a direct-bandgap material that only requires about 1% of silicon to make crystalline silicon-based solar cells. They can be deposited on a variety of substrates at temperatures lower than 300°C, making them excellent for roll-to-roll production processes. The amorphous silicon thin films solar cells market is being driven by rising demand for environment-friendly photovoltaic technologies that do not use heavy metals like lead or cadmium. All these factors are creating lucrative opportunities for the amorphous silicon PV market globally.
The global amorphous silicon PV market is segmented on the basis of film type, substrate, application, and region. Based on film type, the market is divided into A-Si single, A-Si tandem, A-Si/C-Si, A-Si/A-SiGe/A-SiGe. In terms of substrate, the market is categorized into glass, plastic, metal. On the basis of application, the market is divided into consumer electronics, building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), grid-connected power supply, military & space, and others. Geographically, the market is analyzed across several regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America, Middle East & Africa (LAMEA).
Key players operating in the global amorphous silicon PV industry include First Solar, Ascent Solar Technologies Inc., Power Film Solar Inc., Kaneka Corporation, Nexpower, GS Solar, Kaneka, Solartech, Best Solar, QS Solar, Bangkok Solar, Trony. These companies have adopted several strategies such as product launches, partnerships, collaborations, mergers & acquisitions, and joint ventures to strengthen their foothold in the global amorphous silicon PV market.
COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The amorphous silicon PV market share declined in 2020, owing to COVID-19 influence. Lockdowns have been imposed by governments of numerous major economies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Manufacturing activity has been severely hampered as a result of the shutdown. As the bulk of PV modules are made in China, the manufacturing and supply chains have been severely harmed. India, for example, buys 80% of its solar value chain components from China.
As all major ship container firms ceased operating out of Chinese ports and shipping products from China to other nations, the lockout had a significant impact on China's industrial capacity, which resulted in supply chain disruptions. In addition, supply chain delays and manpower shortages in the PV business were created by the lockdown enforced in other nations.
Due to travel limitations, businesses were unable to get the workforce they needed for their operations. Though the amorphous silicon PV market is likely to be adversely affected in 2020, recovery is predicted to begin in 2021 and be completed by 2022.
Market Trends
The amorphous silicon PV market is anticipated to grow due to low production costs and availability in a range of shapes and sizes. Other factors driving the market include plentiful availability of amorphous silicon and its non-toxicity. As amorphous silicon thin film solar cells are very flexible and lightweight, they may be used on a variety of surfaces.
These amorphous silicon thin films may be formed on a variety of surfaces, including flexible, curved, and roll-away kinds, and they absorb more energy than traditional cells. When compared to mono-crystalline or poly-crystalline solar cells, amorphous silicon thin film solar cells have a lower efficiency. Furthermore, when compared to its counterparts, amorphous silicon thin film solar cells have a shorter life cycle. During the amorphous silicon PV market, all these factors are expected to limit the amorphous silicon PV industry.
Other thin film technologies, such as copper indium gallium selenide solar cells (CIGS cells) and cadmium telluride solar cells, are putting a lot of pressure on amorphous silicon thin film solar cells (CdTe). Both of these cells absorb a lot of light and have little carbon impact, which limits the amorphous silicon PV market opportunity.
Surge in usage of amorphous silicon thin PV in building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) applications to offer attractive opportunities
Increased research initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency of amorphous silicon-based thin film solar cells through improved manufacturing processes are expected to present manufacturers with profitable possibilities in the near future. Amorphous silicon thin film solar cell manufacturers may consider investing in integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications to create amorphous silicon modules.
Other uses of amorphous silicon thing PV are saw-tooth patterns on a building exterior can both benefit from photovoltaics. These improve direct solar access while also offering architectural benefits, such as passive shade and PV, may be used as a straight replacement for batten and seam metal roofing, standard 3-tab asphalt shingles in roofing systems, and PV for skylight systems may be both a cost-effective and attractive architectural component.
Key Benefits of the Report
- This study presents the analytical depiction of the amorphous silicon PV market forecast along with the current trends and future estimations to determine the imminent investment pockets.
- The report presents information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities along with detailed analysis of the amorphous silicon PV market trends.
- The current market is quantitatively analyzed to highlight the amorphous silicon PV market growth scenario.
- Porter’s five forces analysis illustrates the potency of buyers & suppliers in the market.
- The report provides a detailed amorphous silicon PV market analysis based on competitive intensity and how the competition will take shape in the coming years.
Questions Answered in Amorphous Silicon PV Market Report
- Which are the leading players active in the amorphous silicon PV market size?
- What are the detailed impacts of COVID-19 on the market?
- What current trends will influence the market in the next few years?
- What are the driving factors, restraints, and opportunities in the market?
- What future projections would help in taking further strategic steps?
Amorphous Silicon PV Market Report Highlights
| Aspects | Details |
 By Film Type |
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 By Application |
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 By Region |
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 Key Market Players | JA Solar, First Solar, Yingli Green Energy, Shunfeng Photovoltaics, Sharp Solar, Renesola, Panasonic, SunPower, Solar Frontier, Canadian Solar |
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