Air Liquide and photovoltaic energy [ Return towards Photovoltaic energy ]

Gases, especially special and doping gases, are essential in the production of photovoltaic cells. Air Liquide confirms its worldwide number 1 position in the supply of gases to the photovoltaic industry, thanks, in particular, to strong innovation and a healthy business.

Innovation

Air Liquide is involved in research programs in Europe, America and Asia which aim to develop new technologies that enable the gases to be used more efficiently during the manufacturing of cells and to reduce the environmental impact of the manufacturing of cells.

Business

Air Liquide supplies all the essential gases required in the production of photovoltaic cells: carrier gases, doping and special gases, nitrogen, hydrogen and silane.

Since 2009, Air Liquide has been the main supplier to three of the largest photovoltaic production plants in the world, thanks to the signing of long-term contracts:

in Thalheim, in Germany, the location of the largest "Solar Valley" in Europe
in eastern China, where the Group provides a turnkey solution, supplying gases to one of the largest production sites of thin-layer solar cells in the world
in the Philippines, Air Liquide has extended its partnership with Sunpower, leader in the manufacturing of high-powered solar cells, panels and systems.

The Group is now partner to the three largest manufacturers of solar cells using crystalline silicon technology.

The future

The photovoltaic industry has experienced a period of strong growth of 35 % per year over the last 5 years, combined with an increase in the consumption of gases supplied by Air Liquide.

From 2013, the production costs of photovoltaic electricity should be competitive compared to other technologies (thermal, nuclear) in a certain number of areas. In 2020, 12% of the worldwide demand for energy and 20% of the European demand should be met thanks to photovoltaic energy.

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