Sun-Powered Silver Drain. A Radiant Raid of Silver in The Solar Industry. 283,000,000 ounces Gone.
by Pixy St. Claire
Editor's Note: The 283 million number in the chart is a conservative projection. Because it doesn't count all the military and aerospace solar uses under the disclaimer of national security
We will update this chart as more data trickles in.
The worldwide total solar installations in 2023 are projected to be between 390 and 441 gigawatts (GW)
a 53.4% increase compared to 2022.
2024 to 2030 projections are between 10 to 20 x existing installations
The numbers of silver load per PV panel manufacturer specs in red are justified by the text below and sources at the end of the article.
Understanding the nuances between different technologies is crucial for the silver loading in solar panels. PERC solar panels, a well-established technology, exhibit a silver loading of approximately 15.4 mg/W
In contrast, newer technologies such as TOPCon and Silicon Heterojunction cells boast higher silver loadings, with TOPCon at around ranging from 22 to 25.6 mg/W and Heterojunction at 33.9 mg/W
Sources listed at the end of this article
We reached out to Solar Panel / Silver Use expert Chen Lin in an email last Monday.
See thread below.
On Mon, Nov 27, 2023 at 7:37 PM Chen Lin wrote:
About 1/2 million oz.
Cheers,
Chen
On Mon, 27 Nov 2023 18:53:13 -0500, Jon Forrest Little <xlradar@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Chen,
Can you guess how many ounces of silver per Gigawatt (GW)
I know you will say depending on panel specs but if there were an average?
thanks
Pixy
The world’s largest single-site solar farm just came online
Situated 22 miles (35 km) from Abu Dhabi, this solar farm boasts a capacity of 2 gigawatts (GW) and is equipped with nearly 4 million bifacial solar panels. Its energy output is projected to power around 200,000 households while mitigating over 2.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
Throughout the construction's peak phase, the project generated 4,500 jobs, with an impressive installation rate of 10 megawatts (MW) per day for the solar panels. A collaborative effort, Al Dhafra was developed jointly by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), French power company EDF Renewables, and Chinese solar developer JinkoPower. TAQA holds a 40% stake in the project, while Masdar, EDF Renewables, and JinkoPower each have a 20% ownership
.
Under a power purchase agreement established in 2020, the solar farm will supply electricity to the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC). With Al Dhafra operational, the UAE's solar power production capacity has reached 3.2 GW. In September, EWEC sought proposals to develop a 1.5 GW solar farm in Al Khazna, near Abu Dhabi.
The UAE has set an ambitious goal to triple its renewable energy capacity to 14 GW by 2030.
Criticism has been directed at the UAE, the host of COP28 in Dubai starting on November 30, for appointing the CEO of its state oil company, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, to lead COP28 and for adopting an all-encompassing approach to energy. The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 outlines a target energy mix of 44% clean energy, 38% gas, 12% "clean coal," and 6% nuclear, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
At the Silver Academy recently we’ve had some revelations of silver’s use in the following applications and these were previously unreported uses of silver:
Leading all categories is military use bombs, shells, missiles, torpedoes, submarines, fighter craft, tanks, night vision goggles, communication devices (their coatings, circuitry, reflectors, sensors and more) Additionally we recently reported massive silver use in:
Satellites
Robots
Electric Trains
NEW -Fuel Cell Cars, Trucks, Vans
NEW -Fuel Cell Ships, Barges, Yachts, Ferries
Next up Rockets
Space-craft
Drones
Superconductors
AI
Streaming
Summary of All Silver Use
Aerospace and Military lead the way. Over half of all industrial use.
Then Trains, Robots, Satellites, Solar and Semiconductors, Servers
Bullion, Jewelry, Silverware (These usually circulate or stay in existing above ground stockpiles. LCS and traders go back and forth in transactions depending on volatility of pricing and villagers trading with one another)
Computers, Mobile Phones, Magnetic Resonating, Drones.
and last all the categories listed by USGS
Powering Defense Industry and Silver-Zinc Battery Innovation
Delving into the heart of military technology, EaglePicher Technologies stands as a longstanding producer of silver-zinc batteries, catering to the diverse needs of the defense industry. From missile technology to aircraft, space launch vehicles, and undersea systems, EaglePicher's contributions have been pivotal in advancing critical defense applications.
Boasting a rich history spanning over 50 years, EaglePicher's silver-zinc batteries have played a key role in some of the most historic NASA launches, including Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Skylab. This legacy underscores the reliability and performance of EaglePicher's battery technology in missions that demand precision and durability.
Collaborating closely with the U.S. Navy, EaglePicher Technologies has been a trusted partner in supplying rechargeable 750 AMP per hour silver-zinc battery cells for undersea systems. This partnership underscores the strategic importance of EaglePicher's technology in supporting naval operations, where reliability and efficiency are paramount.
Notably, Saft, another prominent battery manufacturer, joins the ranks in providing cutting-edge solutions. Saft's primary and rechargeable silver-zinc battery systems are tailored for combat and exercise torpedoes, further expanding the scope of silver-zinc technology in military applications.
As the defense industry continues to evolve, EaglePicher Technologies and Saft remain at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of innovation to meet the energy demands of the most challenging and critical missions. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest advancements in battery technology shaping the future of defense excellence.
Unlocking the Benefits of Silver-Zinc Batteries: A Simple Guide
When it comes to choosing the right batteries, silver-zinc stands out:
1. High Energy Density: Silver-zinc batteries pack a punch with a high specific energy, making them perfect for applications that need extended runtimes and substantial energy storage.
2. Lightweight and Compact: These cells are not just powerful but also lightweight and compact. They deliver impressive energy output while taking up less space compared to other rechargeable cells.
3. High Power Discharge: Ideal for demanding applications like missile systems and space launch vehicles, silver-zinc batteries can discharge at high rates, ensuring reliable performance.
4. Stable Voltage: Enjoy a consistent power supply as silver-zinc batteries maintain a stable operating voltage until nearly all the capacity is used up.
5. Reliability and Safety: With a proven track record in critical applications such as NASA launches and submersibles, silver-zinc cells are known for their reliable performance and safety.
6. Rechargeable: Under optimal conditions, silver-zinc cells and batteries can undergo hundreds of charge/discharge cycles, offering a sustainable and rechargeable power solution.
7. Low Self-Discharge: Say goodbye to worries about capacity loss during storage. Silver-zinc batteries have low self-discharge rates, providing extended shelf life.
8. Environmental Considerations: In addition to their impressive features, silver-zinc batteries are considered more environmentally friendly than some other chemistries. Plans are in place to address their higher costs through recycling programs, contributing towards zero waste future.
Silver-zinc batteries are more reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly power solutions.
The Crucial Role of Silver in Advancing Solar Technology
Let’s dive right into the pivotal role silver plays in propelling advancements in the photovoltaic (PV) industry.
As an indispensable component, silver stands out for its exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity properties, making it a primary choice for various applications within solar cells. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted world of silver consumption, its critical function in solar cells, and the challenges posed by the escalating demand in the face of a potential silver deficit.
Silver's Essential Function in Solar Cells
In the intricate design of solar cells, silver takes center stage as the conductive material for both front and rear contacts. These contacts play a crucial role in efficiently converting sunlight into electricity. The process involves applying a silver paste onto the solar cell's surface through screen-printing, followed by high-temperature firing to establish a conductive layer. The high conductivity of silver minimizes energy loss during this phase, maximizing the overall efficiency of the solar cell.
Addressing the Surge in Silver Demand in the PV Industry
Recent years have witnessed a remarkable surge in global silver demand within the PV industry, driven by the increasing adoption of solar energy as a clean and sustainable electricity source. While this growth presents exciting prospects for the clean energy landscape, it also raises concerns about the sustainability of silver consumption, accompanied by potential challenges in pricing and supply. The PV industry currently holds a significant share of the worldwide silver demand, expected to expand further as solar energy gains widespread acceptance globally.
Silver Consumption Dynamics in High-Efficiency Solar Cell Technologies
The shift towards advanced solar cell technologies, including Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC), Tunnelling Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon), and Silicon Heterojunction (SHJ), introduces a new dimension to the silver demand landscape. While these technologies promise heightened conversion efficiencies compared to traditional solar cells, they also come with an increased reliance on silver for their intricate contact structures.
In Conclusion
As we navigate the intricate interplay between silver consumption, technological advancements, and the surging demand for clean energy solutions, it becomes evident that silver's role in the PV industry is more critical than ever. Join us on this insightful journey into the heart of solar innovation, where silver continues to shine as a driving force in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. Stay tuned for further insights into the evolving dynamics of the photovoltaic landscape.
story tip by u/Icy-Association-1418
Citations:
[1] https://www.solarpowereurope.org/insights/market-outlooks/global-market-outlook-for-solar-power-2023-2027-1
[2] https://www.pv-magazine.com/2023/02/16/global-solar-installations-may-hit-350-6-gw-in-2023-says-trendforce/
[3] https://electrek.co/2023/09/06/us-solar-installations-expected-to-be-a-record-32-gw-in-2023/
[4] https://www.seia.org/news/solar-installations-2023-expected-exceed-30-gw-first-time-history
[5] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-solar-power-capacity-expand-by-record-32-gigawatts-2023-report-2023-09-07/