PV stands for photovoltaic. The pv market is the industry that produces and sells photovoltaic cells and modules. The core of a solar cell is a semiconductor (usually silicon) with a PN junction. When light strikes the cell, it excites electrons, creating an electric current. The pv market for "crystalline silicon" (c-Si) is the dominant technology. The pv market for "monocrystalline" silicon is made from a single crystal ingot, cut into wafers. The pv market for "polycrystalline" silicon is made from cast ingots with multiple crystals.

The broader photovoltaic market includes these products. The pv market for "wafer" production is the first step. The pv market for "cell" manufacturing involves texturing (to reduce reflection), doping (to create the PN junction), and screen-printing of metal contacts. The pv market for "module" assembly involves interconnecting cells, laminating them between layers of glass and encapsulant (EVA), and framing. The pv market for "testing" (flash test) verifies power output.

The pv market for "PERC" (passivated emitter and rear cell) adds a passivation layer to the rear of the cell, reflecting unabsorbed light back into the cell. The pv market for "bifacial" cells have contacts on both sides, allowing light from the rear to also generate power. The pv market for "half-cut" cells (cut into two) reduce resistive losses. The pv market for "shingled" cells (overlapped) increase packing density.

The pv market for "thin-film" uses materials like cadmium telluride (CdTe) or copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) deposited on glass or flexible substrates. The pv market for "CdTe" is used by First Solar. The pv market for "CIGS" is used by some manufacturers. The pv market for "amorphous" silicon (a-Si) is used in calculators and some flexible panels.

The pv market for "manufacturing" is concentrated in China, which produces most of the world's cells and modules. The pv market for "supply chain" has faced disruptions (e.g., polysilicon shortages). The pv market for "trade" tariffs and duties (e.g., on Chinese panels) have shaped regional markets.

Looking ahead, the pv market will see the commercialization of "perovskite" solar cells. The pv market for "tandem" cells (perovskite on silicon) will break efficiency records. The pv market for "recycling" of end-of-life modules will become a necessity.

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