Investment Rating - The investment rating for the electrical equipment industry is optimistic [2]. Core Insights - The report highlights the transition from silver paste to copper paste in photovoltaic cells as a significant trend for cost reduction in the industry. The rising silver prices and the competitive landscape in the photovoltaic sector are driving this shift towards cheaper metal alternatives [55][56]. - The report anticipates that the introduction of copper paste will occur between 2025 and 2026, with rapid penetration expected from 2027 to 2028. By 2030, the demand for copper paste is projected to reach approximately 6,000 tons, while the demand for silver paste is expected to decrease to around 3,000 tons [42][55]. Summary by Sections 1. Role and Principle of Copper Paste - Metalization is a crucial process in photovoltaic cell production, impacting efficiency, cost, and reliability. The main goal is to reduce costs and improve efficiency through various metalization techniques [14][15]. - The transition from silver to copper is driven by the need to lower costs, as copper has a similar conductivity to silver but is significantly cheaper [22]. 2. Impact of Copper Paste on Cost Reduction - The report indicates that metalization costs are becoming a larger portion of the total battery cost, reaching approximately 30%. This makes it a primary target for cost reduction efforts [31]. - The copper alternative can significantly lower metalization costs compared to silver paste, with projections showing substantial savings in both TOPCON and BC cell applications [35][40]. 3. Industrialization Challenges and Solutions for Copper Paste - The report discusses the challenges of copper oxidation and migration during the manufacturing process, which can affect the performance of photovoltaic cells. Solutions include protective coatings and the use of seed layers to prevent copper diffusion into silicon [23][27]. - The anticipated industrialization of copper paste is expected to enhance profitability for paste manufacturers, as the shift to copper will likely increase processing fees compared to traditional silver paste [45]. 4. Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape - The transition to copper paste is expected to alter the competitive landscape among paste manufacturers, with companies needing to invest in new technologies and processes to maintain their market positions [49]. - The report notes that companies are already beginning to develop copper powder capabilities to enhance their competitiveness in the copper paste market [51].