Is indium used in photovoltaic panels

Can indium be used for photovoltaic technology?

The available indium in the markets can be used for many different photovoltaic technologies, all of them important and several are mutually linked and depending on each other in combinations (Tables 1 and 2). Table 2 shows kg of indium per installed MW capacity.

What is a copper indium gallium selenide solar cell?

A copper indium gallium selenide solar cell (or CIGS cell, sometimes CI (G)S or CIS cell) is a thin-film solar cell used to convert sunlight into electric power. It is manufactured by depositing a thin layer of copper indium gallium selenide solid solution on glass or plastic backing, along with electrodes on the front and back to collect current.

Will indium production lag behind demand for photovoltaic solar panels?

Boosting this could greatly alleviate supply pressures. Projections indicate that indium production will reach its peak between 2025 and 2030, while the peak for photovoltaic solar panels due to indium shortages is anticipated around 2090, with an installed capacity of 1200 GW. Thus, the growth of photovoltaic capacity may lag behind actual demand.

What happens if a photovoltaic system delivers an indium supply?

The system delivers an indium supply (Figure 13 c) resulting in an installed photovoltaic collection capacity (Figure 13 d). Comparing the curves in Figure 13 b, d indicate what is going on: how the indium supply falls short of the indium demand by a huge amount. The demand for indium is satisfied until about 2024–2026.

How does indium shortage affect the production of solar panels?

The physical indium shortage and the dependence on an unresponsive source metal extraction rate may have ramifications for the production of large volumes of solar panels for electricity generation.

Does the indium price increase enough to increase photovoltaic capacity?

The indium price does increase enough to increase the indium recycling some, but yields limitations prevail. The result shows that the photovoltaic capacity demanded is far larger than what can be realized in reality. It appears to be not enough indium available.