A lack of polysilicon, an essential material for the production of conventional solar cells, is expected to cause continued growth in the solar industry to stagnate beginning in 2006 and lasting throughout the year. In 2007 more facilities are expected to come online, mitigating the shortage and satisfying demand.

Whereas the 1638 megawatt output of solar energy in 2005 represents 35% annual growth, 2006 solar-energy production is expected to represent a 5% increase (approx. 1680 MW) due to a paucity of manufacturing quality polysilicon. In 2007, the industry is projected to resume its annual double digit growth, reaching $12 billion USD in 2010. The solar market was worth $4 billion USD in 2004.

Read the article. (EE Times)

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