According to data, Chinese photovoltaic companies have established a significant leading advantage in the global market, especially in module manufacturers. Among the top ten companies in terms of shipments, Chinese companies occupy six to eight spots, or even more.
However, when it comes to final profitability, Chinese module manufacturers don't look as stellar as their revenue figures suggest. In contrast, First Solar from the US boasts impressive profit performance, with a net profit attributable to shareholders of $398 million (approximately RMB 2.557 billion) in 2020, second only to LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
First Solar, also known as First Solar, is the world's largest manufacturer of thin-film solar modules. It has mastered advanced second-generation photovoltaic power generation technology—cadmium telluride thin-film batteries, which is the biggest difference between it and Chinese module companies.
Thin-film batteries can be fabricated by coating or depositing films on the surfaces of materials such as glass, metal, and plastic to create solar cell panels. They are basically classified into three types: amorphous silicon thin-film batteries, copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film batteries, and cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film batteries.
Amorphous silicon thin-film solar cells have low conversion efficiency, and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film solar cells are expensive. Therefore, First Solar chose cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film solar cells and manufactured its modules. Although cadmium is a highly toxic substance and is not very environmentally friendly, it is inexpensive. Through continuous technological innovation, First Solar has largely eliminated the impact of cadmium and established a comprehensive recycling system, thus achieving great success in the United States.
However, my country's photovoltaic industry chain is basically centered around crystalline silicon solar cells, and its connection with thin-film solar cells is not very close. Companies lack mature supporting suppliers and are naturally unwilling to invest. Hanergy previously attempted to develop thin-film solar cells, but ultimately failed.
