PV ribbon is an essential component in the solar photovoltaic industry, with the characteristics of a small industry but a big market. As a crucial connecting material for photovoltaic modules, PV ribbons are used to connect solar battery cells, ensuring the efficiency of current collection and power output of photovoltaic modules. With the rapid development of the solar photovoltaic industry, the PV ribbon industry has also emerged as an indispensable part of the photovoltaic supply chain.
The global market size of PV ribbons is relatively small, but it is an essential sub-sector in the photovoltaic industry. According to relevant statistical data, the global market size of PV ribbons reached approximately 3.5 billion tons in 2019, with a market value of approximately 1 billion yuan ($150 million). Among them, China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of PV ribbons, accounting for more than 70% of the global market share.
The development of the PV ribbon industry is closely related to the development of the solar photovoltaic industry. With the increasing demand for clean energy worldwide, the solar photovoltaic industry has experienced rapid development in the past few years. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), it is predicted that by 2030, the global solar photovoltaic capacity will reach 300GW, with an annual growth rate of 25%. The PV ribbon industry, as an essential part of the solar photovoltaic industry, will also benefit from this trend.
Product quality is the core of the development of the PV ribbon industry. PV ribbons need to have high tensile strength, low resistance, corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, and other excellent properties to ensure the efficiency of current collection and stable power output of photovoltaic modules. Currently, the mainstream PV ribbon products on the market include copper-based, silver-based, and copper alloy-based types. Among them, silver-based PV ribbons have excellent conductivity and thermal conductivity, and their price is relatively high; while copper-based and copper alloy-based PV ribbons have better oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance properties, but their price is more affordable.
In addition to quality, technological innovation is also an important driving force for the development of the PV ribbon industry. With the continuous improvement and innovation of solar photovoltaic technology, the PV ribbon industry also needs to constantly develop new products that are suitable for different types of battery cells. For example, with the popularization of monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film photovoltaic modules, the PV ribbon industry also needs to continuously develop new products that are suitable for these modules.
Overall, the PV ribbon industry has the characteristics of a “small industry, big market” and is an essential part of the solar photovoltaic industry. With the continuous development of the solar photovoltaic industry, the PV ribbon industry will continue to maintain rapid development and innovate in technology to meet market demands.
