Longi Green Starts Copper Solar Cell Production as Silver Prices Soar

2 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 9

Longi Green’s Shaanxi plant is now operating, putting the Chinese solar leader into production of cells that replace silver with copper.
Soaring silver prices since last year have rattled the solar industry and pushed manufacturers to seek cheaper alternatives for cell metallization.
Longi called the launch a key milestone in the large-scale rollout of its next-generation cell technology.
The switch signals how raw-material cost pressure is reshaping solar manufacturing choices at the top end of China’s industry.

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Bloomberg6h ago

Longi Green Switches to Copper for Solar Cells Amid Soaring Silver Prices

Reuters6h ago

Solar industry accelerates shift from silver as costs soar | Reuters

How will China's silver-free solar cells reshape the global race for green energy dominance?

Is the solar industry swapping a cost crisis for a future reliability crisis by switching to copper?

From Silver to Copper: Longi’s $73 Million Cost-Saving Pivot and Its Impact on Solar and Metal Markets in 2026

Overview

Longi has started mass production of copper-based solar cells in Q2 2026, marking a major shift in the solar industry. This move is driven by the rising costs of silver, which have reached record highs due to market pressures and global events. As silver becomes more expensive, solar manufacturers face intense competition and overcapacity, making cost reduction essential. Longi’s back-contact HPBC modules are well-suited for copper, allowing the company to replace silver and lower production costs. This transition is supported by a comprehensive integration of materials and processes, and is expected to significantly reduce silver demand in the solar sector.

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