3 6 Ke·2026-01-23 05:11Core Viewpoint - Recent increases in silicon and silver prices are intensifying profit pressures on photovoltaic (PV) cell and module companies, with a long-term tight balance expected in silver supply and demand due to a persistent supply gap since 2019 [1] Group 1: Industry Challenges - The rising costs of silver necessitate that PV cell and module companies urgently reduce silver consumption [1] - Copper is identified as the most suitable alternative material to silver, although challenges such as copper oxidation and diffusion need to be addressed [1] Group 2: Technological Developments - The PCB, MLCC, and semiconductor industries have accumulated valuable experience that can be referenced by the photovoltaic sector [1] - Progress is being made with silver-coated copper and electroplated copper solutions in the photovoltaic industry, while pure copper paste remains the ultimate goal, albeit with several unresolved issues [1] Group 3: Market Projections - It is projected that by 2026-2027, the penetration rates for silver-coated copper and copper paste will reach 17.7% and 43%, respectively, leading to production volumes of 813 tons and 2,188 tons for these materials [1] - This shift is expected to provide significant performance elasticity for paste and metal powder companies [1]