SUPPLY CHAIN HANDBOOK

Solar power: materials, manufacturing, plants and recycling

Prepared by IndustryAtlas Editorial principles & corrections

Separate crystalline-silicon and CdTe thin-film manufacturing, then trace materials, factory equipment, inverters, project engineering, operation and recycling. Taiwanese and international organizations are mapped by their public products and services, distinguishing research, equipment supply and plant operation.

Most recent source review: 2026-10-13

Reading guide revised: 2026-10-30

What do cells, modules and solar plants each add?

Cells convert light into electricity. Modules interconnect and protect cells for outdoor installation. A plant combines modules, structures, DC connections, inverters and site engineering, then provides operation and maintenance. Crystalline silicon and cadmium-telluride thin film follow different manufacturing routes, but both become installable generating products and systems. Separate manufacturing performance, module reliability and project delivery to distinguish materials, factory equipment and plant operations.

Silicon or thin-film materials → Photovoltaic devices
Crystalline silicon passes through ingots and wafers before device and electrode formation. CdTe forms absorbing layers and electrodes on a substrate. These are alternative routes, not consecutive stages.
Cells and packaging components → Installable modules
Interconnections join silicon cells; glass, encapsulants, rear protection and junction boxes make an outdoor product that can be wired and mounted.
Modules, inverters and site engineering → Operation and end-of-life recovery
Engineering integrates structures, conversion, wiring and grid connection. Operations maintain the plant; retirement leads to disassembly and material separation.

What changes the choice?

Compare sites by roof, ground or water-based installation constraints. Compare manufacturing routes separately; cell efficiency alone does not establish the generation performance of a complete plant.

Sources for this overview

Solar PV supply chain

Manufacturing, materials, equipment, plants and recycling

Trace silicon feedstock, cells and modules through materials, electrical equipment and plant operations, with a separate CdTe thin-film manufacturing branch.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-13

Role and interpretation

Explore four roles: materials and manufacturing, electrical and structural equipment, plant development and operation, and recycling. Storage is optional. Thin-film modules bypass silicon ingot growth and wafer slicing. Solar thermal and perovskites are outside this map.

Solar silicon feedstock Solar ingots and wafers Photovoltaic cells Crystalline-silicon PV modules PV conductive pastes Encapsulation-grade EVA resin Encapsulation films and backsheets Solar PV glass Cell interconnect ribbons Mounting and site structures PV inverters Solar project EPC PV development and plant investment PV operations and maintenance Green electricity services Solar-plus-storage PV decommissioning and recycling CdTe thin-film modules PV module manufacturing equipment Module junction boxes and DC connections PV material separation and recovery Rooftop PV Ground-mounted PV Water-site and floating PV Aquaculture-integrated PV Substation equipment

Distinction: PV cells generate electricity from light; storage batteries store electricity. They are different products.

Sources

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Silicon, thin film and manufacturing equipment

Solar silicon feedstock

Quartz, metallurgical silicon and polysilicon

Quartz-derived metallurgical silicon is purified into high-purity polysilicon feedstock for solar ingot production.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

Purity, energy consumption and consistency matter. WACKER is a sourced international example; Taiwanese cell and module manufacturers are not automatically silicon refiners.

Distinction: Polysilicon feedstock can produce monocrystalline ingots; it does not imply multicrystalline cells.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

WACKER · Germany · Example role · High-purity polysilicon
Silicon feedstock business serving solar manufacturing.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Sources

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Solar ingots and wafers

Crystal growth, slicing and wafer quality

High-purity silicon is grown into ingots and sliced into thin wafers for solar cells. LONGi supplies monocrystalline solar wafers.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

Quality, thickness and breakage control affect subsequent cell fabrication. Keep this product category separate from semiconductor IC wafers.

Distinction: A silicon wafer still needs cell processing before it is a finished photovoltaic device.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

LONGi · China · Example role · Solar monocrystalline wafers
Solar wafer products and technical services.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Sources

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Photovoltaic cells

Junctions, films and collection electrodes

Junctions, functional films and electrodes turn solar wafers into devices that collect light-generated charge and supply electricity.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

TSEC, Motech and SAS publish solar cell products. Compare device structure, efficiency, reliability and actual products rather than treating a research plan as production evidence.

Distinction: PV cells are neither storage batteries nor complete weather-protected solar panels.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

Sino-American Silicon Products · Taiwan · Example role · Solar cell products
Published solar cell products and related development and manufacturing.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07
TSEC · Taiwan · Example role · Solar cell products
Published solar cell products and related development and manufacturing.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07
Motech · Taiwan · Example role · Solar cell products
Published solar cell products and related development and manufacturing.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Sources

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Crystalline-silicon PV modules

Interconnection, encapsulation and testing

Silicon cells are interconnected and packaged with glass, encapsulants, a backsheet or rear glass, a frame and a junction box to form an installable panel.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-13

Role and interpretation

Module suppliers integrate cells and packaging materials and validate output and outdoor reliability. URE, TSEC, Motech, SAS and Anji publish relevant products or brand businesses; origin and manufacturing arrangements are product-specific.

Distinction: Module power is not cell conversion efficiency, and a module brand need not manufacture every material.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

Sino-American Silicon Products · Taiwan · Example role · PV modules
Module products or brand business; verify origin and supply arrangements by product.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07
United Renewable Energy · Taiwan · Example role · PV modules
Module products or brand business; verify origin and supply arrangements by product.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07
TSEC · Taiwan · Example role · PV modules
Module products or brand business; verify origin and supply arrangements by product.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07
Motech · Taiwan · Example role · PV modules
Module products or brand business; verify origin and supply arrangements by product.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07
Anji Technology · Taiwan · Example role · PV modules
Module products or brand business; verify origin and supply arrangements by product.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Sources

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CdTe thin-film modules

Glass substrates and thin-film deposition

CdTe absorber layers and electrodes are formed on glass, interconnected and encapsulated. First Solar manufactures modules using this route.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-13

Role and interpretation

This branch bypasses polysilicon refining, silicon ingot growth and wafer slicing. Finished modules still require mounting, power conversion and site engineering with product-specific interfaces.

Distinction: Thin-film and crystalline-silicon modules do not have identical upstream materials.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

First Solar · United States · Example role · CdTe thin-film module manufacturing
Thin-film modules using CdTe rather than silicon wafers as the absorber.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-13

Sources

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PV module manufacturing equipment

Layup, soldering, packaging and inspection

Equipment suppliers provide cell-string layup, soldering, film processing and inspection systems for module factories.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-13

Role and interpretation

Jinchen lists layup, junction-box soldering, EVA cutting and EL/AOI inspection equipment. These factory tools differ from power-plant inverters; machine selection depends on the module design.

Distinction: Supplying factory equipment does not establish module manufacturing, and silicon and thin-film lines are not universally interchangeable.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

Jinchen · China · Example role · Module manufacturing equipment
Layup, soldering, film processing and EL/AOI inspection equipment.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-13

Sources

Jinchen | PV module manufacturing equipment

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PV materials and connection components

PV conductive pastes

Silver and aluminum electrode materials

Conductive pastes form collection electrodes on solar cells. Giga Solar publishes front-side silver, rear-side silver and aluminum pastes.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

Paste formulations must suit cell structures and printing and firing conditions. Materials suppliers do not thereby supply complete panels.

Distinction: Electrode materials and processing differ by cell technology; one formulation is not universal.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

Giga Solar Materials · Taiwan · Example role · Cell electrode materials
Front and rear silver pastes and aluminum pastes.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Sources

Giga Solar | PV conductive pastes

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Encapsulation-grade EVA resin

Polymer feedstock upstream of films

EVA resin is one feedstock for solar encapsulation films. USI publishes solar encapsulation-grade EVA products upstream of film conversion.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

Resin is formulated and processed into film before module lamination, linking photovoltaics with petrochemicals and polymers.

Distinction: EVA resin pellets are not finished encapsulation films; module material systems vary.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

USI Corporation · Taiwan · Example role · Upstream film resin
Solar encapsulation-grade EVA, not finished film.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Sources

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Encapsulation films and backsheets

Bonding, insulation and outdoor protection

Encapsulants secure and protect cells. Backsheets provide rear protection and insulation, while glass-glass modules use rear glass.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

Packaging balances transparency, adhesion and outdoor reliability. Resin supply and film conversion are separate roles, so USI is not labeled a finished film or backsheet maker here.

Encapsulation-grade EVA resin

Distinction: Encapsulants, backsheets and glass are different components; glass-glass modules still need encapsulation.

Sources

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Solar PV glass

Transmission, coatings and protection

Module glass admits light while protecting cells. Xinyi Solar publishes ultra-clear patterned glass, anti-reflective coated glass and rear glass.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

Glass specifications must match module structures and reliability requirements. This is PV packaging glass, distinct from semiconductor glass-core substrates.

Distinction: General glass manufacturing capability does not establish qualified PV glass supply.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

Xinyi Solar · China / Hong Kong · Example role · PV glass
Ultra-clear, anti-reflective and rear glass products.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Sources

Xinyi Solar | Photovoltaic glass

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Cell interconnect ribbons

Electrical connections inside modules

Conductive ribbons connect cells inside a module and collect their electrical output. Gigastorage publishes photovoltaic ribbon products.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

Conductivity, soldering and mechanical stress must suit the module. Internal ribbons differ from external power-plant cables.

Distinction: Pastes form cell electrodes; ribbons interconnect cells. These are distinct functions.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

Gigastorage · Taiwan · Example role · Module interconnect ribbons
Conductive ribbons for interconnecting solar cells.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Sources

Gigastorage | PV interconnect ribbons

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Module junction boxes and DC connections

Junction boxes, bypass diodes and connectors

Junction boxes bring out module power and house bypass diodes. Cables and connectors link modules into arrays and onward electrical equipment.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-13

Role and interpretation

Stäubli supplies MC4 photovoltaic DC connectors and is listed for that role only. Junction boxes, connectors and internal cell ribbons are distinct components requiring suitable ratings and mating interfaces.

Distinction: Similar appearance or naming does not establish cross-brand connector compatibility.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

Stäubli · Switzerland · Example role · Photovoltaic DC connectors
MC4 portfolio; this source does not establish junction-box supply.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-13

Sources

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PV equipment and plant engineering

Mounting and site structures

Fixed tilt, trackers and foundations

Racking, foundations and attachment interfaces support modules on roofs or ground. Some projects use trackers to change module orientation.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

Structures depend on site conditions, loads, wind and maintenance. Floating systems add floats and moorings, integrated through site engineering.

Solar project EPC

Distinction: Trackers are optional, and rooftop and ground-mount structures are not interchangeable.

Sources

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PV inverters

DC-to-AC conversion and power tracking

Inverters convert module DC output into AC and use maximum power point tracking and related functions to manage generation.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

Delta supplies PV inverters and monitoring. Selection depends on voltage, capacity, site conditions and grid interfaces, not peak efficiency alone.

Distinction: Inverters and transformers serve different functions, and not every PV inverter accepts storage batteries.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

Delta Electronics · Taiwan · Example role · PV inverters
DC-to-AC conversion, MPPT and monitoring.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Sources

Delta | PV inverters

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Solar project EPC

Engineering, procurement and construction

EPC integrates site design, equipment procurement, structures, electrical installation and grid interfaces into a working solar plant.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-13

Role and interpretation

HDRE, Shinfox and TSEC publish relevant engineering or system services. Contract scope varies, and an engineering role does not establish plant ownership.

Distinction: A factory manufacturing cells or modules is different from a power plant using modules to generate electricity.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

HD Renewable Energy · Taiwan · Example role · Solar engineering and integration
Plant design, construction or EPC services with contract-specific scope.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07
Shinfox Energy · Taiwan · Example role · Solar engineering and integration
Plant design, construction or EPC services with contract-specific scope.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07
TSEC · Taiwan · Example role · Solar engineering and integration
Plant design, construction or EPC services with contract-specific scope.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Sources

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PV development and plant investment

Sites, funding and asset ownership

Developers and investors assemble sites, project conditions, funding and generating assets, with construction and ownership arrangements varying by project.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

J&V Energy, HDRE, Anji and Motech disclose development or plant investment activities. Separate the parent group, project company, contractor and operator.

Distinction: Planned capacity is not completed capacity or actual electricity generated.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

HD Renewable Energy · Taiwan · Example role · Plant development or investment
Participates in project development, investment or asset ownership.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07
J&V Energy · Taiwan · Example role · Plant development or investment
Participates in project development, investment or asset ownership.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07
Anji Technology · Taiwan · Example role · Plant development or investment
Participates in project development, investment or asset ownership.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07
Motech · Taiwan · Example role · Plant development or investment
Participates in project development, investment or asset ownership.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Sources

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PV installation applications

Rooftop PV

Homes, factories and commercial buildings

Modules are installed on building roofs with structural, waterproofing, electrical and maintenance requirements.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

Building conditions and usable roof area shape the design; self-consumption and sales arrangements vary.

Solar project EPC PV development and plant investment

Distinction: Total roof area is not identical to usable module area.

Sources

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Ground-mounted PV

Foundations, site layout and grid interfaces

Ground projects combine module arrays with foundations, structures, access, drainage and electrical systems.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

Site works and grid interfaces influence delivery and operation alongside module costs.

Solar project EPC PV development and plant investment

Distinction: Ground-mounted describes installation form, not a requirement to use trackers.

Sources

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Water-site and floating PV

Water sites, floats and moorings

Water-site projects require suitable structures and electrical integration; floating systems add floats, moorings and changing water-level interfaces.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

Check the support arrangement, maintenance and water use for each project rather than treating every water-site installation as floating.

Solar project EPC PV development and plant investment

Distinction: PV over water is not always floating or integrated with aquaculture.

Sources

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Aquaculture-integrated PV

Coordinated aquaculture and generation

Aquaculture-integrated projects combine solar generation with farming, requiring management of both electrical assets and the aquaculture environment.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

HDRE discloses aquaculture-integrated projects and farming operations. Installed capacity alone does not describe the full project.

Distinction: Aquaculture integration is a shared-use arrangement, not a separate solar cell technology.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

HD Renewable Energy · Taiwan · Example role · Aquaculture-integrated project management
Group projects combine PV generation with aquaculture operation.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Sources

HDRE | Plants, EPC and operations services

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PV operations, electricity services and recycling

PV operations and maintenance

Monitoring, cleaning and performance management

Operating plants need generation monitoring, cleaning, electrical inspections, fault correction and long-term performance and aging checks.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

Maintenance may be provided by developer subsidiaries or external teams. TSEC, HDRE, URE and Shinfox publish relevant services.

Distinction: Fixed installed capacity does not mean fixed generation; sunlight, shading, downtime and condition affect output.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

HD Renewable Energy · Taiwan · Example role · Solar O&M services
Plant monitoring, maintenance or related system services.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07
United Renewable Energy · Taiwan · Example role · Solar O&M services
Plant monitoring, maintenance or related system services.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07
TSEC · Taiwan · Example role · Solar O&M services
Plant monitoring, maintenance or related system services.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07
Shinfox Energy · Taiwan · Example role · Solar O&M services
Plant monitoring, maintenance or related system services.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Sources

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Green electricity services

Purchasing, sales and user needs

Green electricity services connect generation and users through purchasing, sales and demand matching. HDRE and URE groups disclose relevant businesses.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

Retail is a commercial service while physical power uses grid or self-consumption arrangements. Different services within a group may use different legal entities.

Distinction: Buying solar electricity does not mean the same plant generates at night; timing and delivery arrangements need separate checks.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

HD Renewable Energy · Taiwan · Example role · Group green-power services
Power sales and energy services through relevant group entities.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07
United Renewable Energy · Taiwan · Example role · Group green-power services
Power sales and energy services through relevant group entities.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Sources

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Solar-plus-storage

Optional branch and energy time shifting

Solar projects may add storage to shift some electricity to other times, using compatible power conversion, monitoring and energy management.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Role and interpretation

Delta and HDRE publish storage integration solutions. Power, duration and control capabilities depend on capacity, design and operation.

Distinction: PV does not require storage. Adding batteries does not imply unlimited supply or continuous renewable energy matching.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

HD Renewable Energy · Taiwan · Example role · Storage integration
Integrates storage and energy management for project needs.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07
Delta Electronics · Taiwan · Example role · Storage integration
Integrates storage and energy management for project needs.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-07

Sources

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PV decommissioning and recycling

Dismantling, separation and material recovery

Retired or replaced modules require collection, dismantling and separation of glass, frames, cells and other materials.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-13

Role and interpretation

Taiwan operates a PV waste management information system. Recovery quality and reuse routes depend on module construction and processing; consult current official qualification records for handlers.

Distinction: Recoverable material mass does not mean every material returns to its original use or has equal recovery value.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

First Solar · United States · Example role · Thin-film module recycling services
Module recycling programs with product-specific eligibility and collection arrangements.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-13

Sources

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PV material separation and recovery

Glass, silicon, silver and reuse technology

Separated module materials may need further purification to increase the reuse value of glass, silicon and metals.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-13

Role and interpretation

ITRI publishes low-damage dismantling, thermal treatment and purification technology. Its role here is R&D and technology services, distinct from commercial collection. Reuse in a new product still requires suitable material specifications.

Distinction: A technology result does not establish commercial processing capacity, and silicon and CdTe recycling require different processes.

Company roles

Research and technology roles do not establish commercial waste-handling authorization or processing capacity.

Industrial Technology Research Institute · Taiwan · Example role · Research institute / material recovery technology
R&D for silicon module dismantling, separation and purification; not a waste collector.
Product / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-13

Sources

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How the roles connect

Each connection appears once in this handbook. Classification describes a branch; technology links compare or relate approaches; service arrows point to the supported activity. Company examples do not establish a supply contract.

Connections, handoffs and sources
From / to	Handoff / relationship	Evidence
Solar PV supply chain Solar silicon feedstock	Silicon manufacturing route Scope note 1	US DOE \| PV manufacturing and system equipment 2026-10-07
Solar PV supply chain CdTe thin-film modules	CdTe thin-film route Scope note 1	First Solar \| CdTe thin-film technology 2026-10-13
CdTe thin-film modules Solar project EPC	Thin-film modules for projects Thin-film modules enter solar projects with product-specific electrical and mounting interfaces.	First Solar \| CdTe thin-film technology 2026-10-13
PV module manufacturing equipment Crystalline-silicon PV modules	Module production equipment Scope note 1	Jinchen \| PV module manufacturing equipment 2026-10-13
Module junction boxes and DC connections Crystalline-silicon PV modules	Module output connections Scope note 1	US DOE \| PV manufacturing and system equipment 2026-10-13
Module junction boxes and DC connections Solar project EPC	Array DC connections Scope note 1	Stäubli \| Photovoltaic DC connectors 2026-10-13
PV decommissioning and recycling PV material separation and recovery	Separation, purification and reuse Recycling can use recovery technology; this link does not mean ITRI collects or processes every retired module.	ITRI \| Recycling technology for conventional PV modules 2026-10-13
CdTe thin-film modules PV decommissioning and recycling	Thin-film module recycling Scope note 1	First Solar \| Module recycling services 2026-10-13
Solar silicon feedstock Solar ingots and wafers	Feedstock to ingots and wafers Scope note 1	US DOE \| PV manufacturing and system equipment 2026-10-07
Solar ingots and wafers Photovoltaic cells	Cell substrate material Scope note 1	US DOE \| PV manufacturing and system equipment 2026-10-07
PV conductive pastes Photovoltaic cells	Collection electrodes Scope note 1	Giga Solar \| PV conductive pastes 2026-10-07
Photovoltaic cells Crystalline-silicon PV modules	Generating devices Scope note 1	US DOE \| PV manufacturing and system equipment 2026-10-07
Encapsulation-grade EVA resin Encapsulation films and backsheets	Encapsulation film feedstock Scope note 1	USI \| Solar encapsulation-grade EVA resin 2026-10-07
Encapsulation films and backsheets Crystalline-silicon PV modules	Encapsulation and rear protection Scope note 1	US DOE \| PV manufacturing and system equipment 2026-10-07
Solar PV glass Crystalline-silicon PV modules	Module glass Scope note 1	Xinyi Solar \| Photovoltaic glass 2026-10-07
Cell interconnect ribbons Crystalline-silicon PV modules	Cell interconnection Scope note 1	Gigastorage \| PV interconnect ribbons 2026-10-07
Films, fibers and sheets Encapsulation films and backsheets	Polymer film application Scope note 1	USI \| Solar encapsulation-grade EVA resin 2026-10-07
Crystalline-silicon PV modules Solar project EPC	Equipment for site integration Scope note 1	US DOE \| PV manufacturing and system equipment 2026-10-07
Mounting and site structures Solar project EPC	Equipment for site integration Scope note 1	US DOE \| PV manufacturing and system equipment 2026-10-07
PV inverters Solar project EPC	Equipment for site integration Scope note 1	Delta \| PV inverters 2026-10-07
Substation equipment Solar project EPC	Equipment for site integration Scope note 1	Fortune Electric \| Solar distribution transformers 2026-10-07
Solar PV supply chain PV development and plant investment	Development and asset ownership Scope note 1	HDRE \| Plants, EPC and operations services 2026-10-07
PV development and plant investment Solar project EPC	Project engineering engagement Scope note 1	HDRE \| Plants, EPC and operations services 2026-10-07
Solar project EPC PV operations and maintenance	Handover to operations Scope note 1	TSEC \| Cells, modules and system services 2026-10-07
PV development and plant investment PV operations and maintenance	Asset and maintenance arrangements Scope note 1	J&V Energy \| Plant development and operations 2026-10-07
PV operations and maintenance Power grids and dispatch	Grid-connected electricity output Physical output for grid-connected projects; self-consumption is another arrangement.	US DOE \| PV manufacturing and system equipment 2026-10-07
PV operations and maintenance Electricity users	Self-consumption option Self-consumption and wiring are project-specific, not a universal route.	Delta \| Renewable energy and storage integration 2026-10-07
PV development and plant investment Green electricity services	Generation-side sales arrangements Scope note 1	HDRE \| Storage and green electricity services 2026-10-07
Green electricity services Electricity users	Green-power demand matching Scope note 1	HDRE \| Storage and green electricity services 2026-10-07
Solar-plus-storage PV operations and maintenance	Optional storage integration Not mandatory for every plant; compatible conversion and control are required.	Delta \| Renewable energy and storage integration 2026-10-07
PV operations and maintenance PV decommissioning and recycling	Replacement and retirement Scope note 1	Taiwan MOENV \| End-of-life PV module management 2026-10-07
Solar PV supply chain Rooftop PV	Installation application Scope note 1	J&V Energy \| Rooftop, ground and water-site projects 2026-10-07
Solar project EPC Rooftop PV	Site-specific engineering Scope note 1	J&V Energy \| Rooftop, ground and water-site projects 2026-10-07
Rooftop PV PV operations and maintenance	Generation and maintenance Scope note 1	HDRE \| Plants, EPC and operations services 2026-10-07
Solar PV supply chain Ground-mounted PV	Installation application Scope note 1	J&V Energy \| Rooftop, ground and water-site projects 2026-10-07
Solar project EPC Ground-mounted PV	Site-specific engineering Scope note 1	J&V Energy \| Rooftop, ground and water-site projects 2026-10-07
Ground-mounted PV PV operations and maintenance	Generation and maintenance Scope note 1	HDRE \| Plants, EPC and operations services 2026-10-07
Solar PV supply chain Water-site and floating PV	Installation application Scope note 1	J&V Energy \| Rooftop, ground and water-site projects 2026-10-07
Solar project EPC Water-site and floating PV	Site-specific engineering Scope note 1	J&V Energy \| Rooftop, ground and water-site projects 2026-10-07
Water-site and floating PV PV operations and maintenance	Generation and maintenance Scope note 1	HDRE \| Plants, EPC and operations services 2026-10-07
Solar PV supply chain Aquaculture-integrated PV	Installation application Scope note 1	HDRE \| Plants, EPC and operations services 2026-10-07
Solar project EPC Aquaculture-integrated PV	Site-specific engineering Scope note 1	HDRE \| Plants, EPC and operations services 2026-10-07
Aquaculture-integrated PV PV operations and maintenance	Generation and maintenance Scope note 1	HDRE \| Plants, EPC and operations services 2026-10-07
Substation equipment PV inverters	AC-side equipment integration Inverters convert DC to AC while transformers change voltage; wiring varies by plant.	Fortune Electric \| Solar distribution transformers 2026-10-07

Connection scope notes

A product or functional link, not a supply contract between every company listed at the endpoints.

Scope of company examples

Representative public products and business roles, not an exhaustive list or market-share ranking. Some services are delivered by group subsidiaries.

What do cells, modules and solar plants each add?

Silicon or thin-film materials → Photovoltaic devices

Cells and packaging components → Installable modules

Modules, inverters and site engineering → Operation and end-of-life recovery

What changes the choice?

Solar PV supply chain

Role and interpretation

Sources

Silicon, thin film and manufacturing equipment

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

PV materials and connection components

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

Role and interpretation

Sources

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

PV equipment and plant engineering

Role and interpretation

Sources

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

PV installation applications

Role and interpretation

Sources

Role and interpretation

Sources

Role and interpretation

Sources

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

PV operations, electricity services and recycling

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources

Role and interpretation

Company roles

Sources