Photovoltaic manufacturing in developing countries

The majority of the world's photovoltaic module production is shipped to developing countries for a variety of applications, such as rural electrification, telecommunication, water pumping, cathodic protection, street lighting, etc. This flow of imported modules and systems, coupled with the increased need for energy, prompted many governments and entrepreneurs to establish local photovoltaic manufacturing lines. These manufacturing lines' annual production capacities range from 100 kW to more than 1 MW. Production levels, technology utilized, and whether these lines produce wafers, cells, and modules will be discussed. Also presented is a discussion of the current and anticipated energy requirements of the developing countries compared to the rest of the world. Key benefits of local manufacturing are also presented.