Panel Shortage Not Over, but Soon

The panel shortage and general shortage of silicon is far from over, but it is nice to know that panel manufacturers are planning to ramp up production to address the increasing demand that the 20% annual growth of the solar industry is creating. A recent article by Diane Lindquist in the San Diego Tribune details Kyocera’s Tijuana manufacturing facility and the overall position of the company in the solar industry.

Regarding the capacity of the Kyocera manufacturing facility, the article states:

“Increased silicon output should have production at capacity by the beginning of 2008. And construction has begun on an adjacent building that will quadruple by 2011 the number of panels the Kyocera operation builds for North America and
South America.”

Of the big three solar panel companies, Kyocera seems to be moving into a dominant position with vertical integration and decent distribution in the fastest growing markets. Now if they can only maintain the lead in technological innovation, they will be well positioned for the future.

TAGS: Kyocera, Tijuana, Solar Panels, Silicon Shortage, San Diego Tribune, Diane Lindquist, solar capacity