Solar Power May Be the Next Victim of China’s Coal Shortage
- Silicon metal surges 300% after electricity curbs in Yunnan
- Material is used to make polysilicon vital to solar panels
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Solar power’s rare year of rising costs may get worse thanks to China’s power crisis.
Prices of silicon metal, used to make the material that comprises solar panels, have surged about 300% since the start of August after a top-producing province ordered production be slashed amid a power crunch. China dominates global solar production, with its coal generators powering many of the factories that make clean energy equipment.