Silicon: Brazil could become a reference in the manufacture of solar cells

“Silicon-based technology is Brazil’s gateway to strengthening and structuring itself as a reference in the manufacture of solar cells”, is what Wladimir Janousek, specialist in technologies and production processes for photovoltaic modules, stated during the podcast Papo Solar, performed by Canal Solar. Throughout the interview, he commented on how silicon can boost the country in the international economy and its importance in the Brazilian energy matrix.

“When we talk about the production chain, Brazil needs to start where it has a vocation or where there are resources for it to stand out. Today, the country is the largest exporter of metallurgical grade silicon. In other words, we export the silicon so that it can be purified outside the country and become the basis for semi-conductors and solar cells. Therefore, by mastering the main raw material that forms the modules, the next step for you to achieve independence, or even have relevance on the world stage in the manufacture of your own cells and modules, is smaller”, highlighted Janousek.

The expert also said that the conditions here in Brazil are unique, being one of the few countries that has such a rich, vast hybrid generation matrix and with so many possibilities. “This is perhaps one of the greatest potentials the country has to explore. Why not think, from development, of ways to compose this, in a way that you use the rich matrix that you have”, he commented.

Resilience of the photovoltaic sector in the face of the crisis

According to Wladimir Janousek, the solar energy sector is one of a few that is not being as affected by the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. “The risks are more focused on the uncertainties of what the global trade scenario will be like following the pandemic. We have seen lessons that must be assimilated, even if there are not yet all the answers to the pros and cons of excessive dependence on the Chinese supply chain, for example. The world sought this, it was not imposed by them. China offers products on a large scale and at competitive prices. They have created an unbeatable supply chain,” he explained.

For Janousek, countries did not realize in which strategic areas this dependence had become dangerous. “There is a discussion, on a global scale, of how these regional chains will recover. In other words, what will I depend on in the global chain that is not strategic for me and what may I need to try to develop again here in my country to reduce the level of dependence. In the case of Brazil, it is somewhat exempt. Not because it has an established chain, on the contrary, we scrapped the industry, largely due to these effects. However, the country can benefit from the trade war between the United States and China and can reinforce its position as a strategic partner of China so as not to see the flow of trade being penalized, both in exports and imports”, he concluded.

Solar market in Brazil

The expert also highlights that if we analyze prices charged in the global market, Brazil is one of the priority markets for solar energy companies in China. “This is another reason why I see that solar is a little ahead in the recovery of the economy in relation to other segments. Not only because of the investments and their return, but because of the fact that it constituted an alternative for profitability in the medium and long term. It's like planting a tree. If I do this now, I'll look back in 10 years and say: I'm glad I planted it 10 years ago. Today, she is giving me shade and fruit”, he exemplified.