Tellurium Sluggish Despite China’s Solar Growth
China’s installed solar capacity is set to increase by 50 percent in 2013, but prices of the tellurium that will be used in panels are expected to continue slumping.
China’s installed solar capacity is set to increase by 50 percent in 2013, but prices of the tellurium that will be used in panels are expected to continue slumping.
After a bumpy 2012, tellurium markets are looking to 2013 for a rebound in demand from both the solar and electronics sectors.
New solar technologies have the potential to disrupt the market for cadmium-telluride solar panels, but long lead times for new technologies and expanding applications are keeping tellurium in demand.
Facing increasing tariffs, ballooning output and markets saturated by oversupply, Chinese solar panel producers are facing tough times.
As the solar producers slow production, tellurium producers are feeling the crunch.
Daily Finance reported rare earth elements and companies that use them are quickly losing value in 2012.
Oilprice.com reported only the most sophisticated solar panel companies are surviving in the niche market as illustrated by Konarka and Nanosolar.
Despite a dismal year for solar panel retailers and manufacturers, cadmium telluride solar panels are still the best option when the economic picture begins to brighten.
As many investors and metal traders are only beginning to understand the use and value of tellurium, others are warning of its growing supply challenges.
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