Cadmium Telluride Market

Market Overview

The global cadmium telluride market size was valued at USD 8.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 21.0 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 10.7% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The Cadmium Telluride Market is predicted to grow significantly due to increased government investments in renewable energy.

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) contains cadmium and tellurium with the chemical formula CdTe. It is a semiconductor material with distinct features that make it ideal for various applications, most notably photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and thin-film semiconductor devices.

Demand for photovoltaic solar cells is increasing, which will drive the expansion of the cadmium telluride market. Conventional energy sources are decreasing, encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources and presenting a substantial potential for the cadmium telluride industry. Cadmium is an essential component of renewable sources such as solar cells, which will drive the cadmium telluride industry. The governments of various countries are investing and launching in the solar sector, which would accelerate the expansion of the cadmium telluride market. However, despite numerous prospects, stringent regulations, and a cadmium telluride supply constraint, the market's low efficiency may limit expansion. 

On the other hand, the ease with which cadmium telluride can be manufactured and the availability of surplus cadmium contribute to market expansion. Cadmium telluride's capacity to absorb sunlight at its optimal wavelength can also contribute to product growth.

Highlights

• Powder accounts for the largest share of the market by type.
• Solar Batteries contribute significantly to the market through their application.

Market Dynamics

Global Cadmium Telluride Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Solar Energy

Concerns about climate change, energy security, and air pollution have led to a global shift toward renewable energy sources. Solar energy, in particular, is gaining popularity because of its abundance, scalability, and low cost. Large-scale solar installations, such as utility-scale solar farms, are becoming more widespread. Because of their cost-effectiveness and efficiency, these initiatives help to accelerate the use of CdTe thin-film solar technology. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity increased to 1.6 terawatts (TW) in 2023, up from 1.2 TW in 2022. This rise was driven by the commissioning of around 446 gigawatts (GW) of new PV systems, with an estimated 150 GW of modules in global inventories.

Additionally, countries such as China, the United States, India, and Europe have ambitious renewable energy goals, with solar power playing a significant part. For example, China is the world's largest solar market, with ambitious renewable energy targets and significant expenditures in solar projects, including CdTe-based installations. China's President Xi Jinping said at the 2020 United Nations Climate Summit that the country plans to have 1,200 gigawatts (GW) of solar and wind energy capacity by 2030. As of January 2024, the CEC estimates China to have constructed over 1,300 GW of wind and solar power by the end of 2024, exceeding its 2030 objective. Analysts believe China might have 1,000 GW of solar power by the end of 2026, contributing to the 11,000 GW of renewable capacity required globally to satisfy the Paris Agreement's 2030 targets.

As a result, rising demand for solar energy is propelling the CdTe market forward, as CdTe thin-film solar cells play an essential part in satisfying the world's growing demand for clean and renewable electricity.

Global Cadmium Telluride Market Restraints

Environmental Concerns and Regulation

Cadmium, a heavy element included in CdTe-based solar panels, causes environmental dangers throughout their lives, which include production, installation, operation, and disposal. Improper handling, disposal, or recycling of CdTe materials can cause cadmium pollution in soil, water, and air, potentially contaminating the environment and harming ecosystems. Cadmium exposure has also been linked to a variety of health hazards, including respiratory issues, kidney damage, bone diseases, and certain types of cancer. Workers who manufacture, install, maintain, and recycle CdTe-based solar panels may experience occupational health risks owing to cadmium exposure. 

Furthermore, governments and regulatory agencies worldwide have adopted regulations, guidelines, and standards to control cadmium usage, emissions, and exposure levels to protect human health and the environment. The European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive limits the use of cadmium in producing electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) sold in the EU. The rule also limits the amount of cadmium in batteries to 20 parts per million (ppm), excluding those used in medical, emergency, or portable power tools. 

Moreover, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated cadmium as a hazardous substance and established a maximum contamination level (MCL). For example, in 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) investigated cadmium emissions from First Solar's CdTe manufacturing facility in Ohio. The study identified cadmium air emissions that exceeded legal limits, resulting in regulatory enforcement actions, community engagement activities, and remediation steps to address environmental issues and protect public health. 

Global Cadmium Telluride Market Opportunity

Technological Advancements

Continuous research and development efforts are directed toward improving the efficiency and performance of CdTe-based solar cells. Materials science, device design, and manufacturing process innovations aim to improve CdTe technology's energy conversion efficiency, reliability, and durability. Furthermore, optimizing CdTe thin-film features such as thickness, composition, grain size, and interface engineering is critical for boosting solar cell performance and reliability. Advanced characterization techniques, such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), allow researchers to examine the microstructure and properties of CdTe films at the nanoscale and optimize their structural and electronic properties for improved device performance.

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), CdTe thin-film solar technology has steadily improved energy conversion efficiency over the last decade. As of May 2024, commercial solar panels were rated at a low level of 23% efficiency. However, as of March 2023, CdTe-based modules were selling at up to 18.6% efficiency, while lab cell efficiency exceeded 22%. In March 2024, First Solar claimed a record CdTe solar cell efficiency of 22.1%. These increased efficiencies result from advances in materials research, device engineering, and production techniques.

Furthermore, according to the Solar Photovoltaic Energy report, photovoltaic (PV) power might account for 11% of global electricity generation by 2050. Moreover, the paper underlines the importance of R&D investments, industry collaborations, and supporting policies in driving innovation and speeding the implementation of advanced solar technologies to satisfy global energy demand and sustainability objectives.

Regional Analysis

North America Dominates the Global Market

The global cadmium telluride market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America is the most significant global cadmium telluride market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.1% over the forecast period. North America has the most considerable revenue share (45%) in 2023. The North American cadmium telluride (CdTe) business is expanding rapidly, driven by rising awareness of renewable energy and environmental concerns. The United States, in particular, is a significant player, with CdTe technology gaining popularity due to its low cost and high efficiency. For example, First Solar manufactures CdTe modules with 16% efficiency and a manufacturing cost of less than USD USD 0.46 per Watt. Furthermore, First Solar recently reported that they have developed a thin film PV module with a complete area efficiency of 18.2%.

Furthermore, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the US solar sector installed 32.4 gigawatts of direct current (GWdc) capacity in 2023, up 51% from 2022. This was the industry's most successful year yet, with solar accounting for more than half of new power capacity added to the grid for the first time. Government policies and incentives are essential in pushing the adoption of solar energy, particularly CdTe technology, in North America. Federal investment tax incentives (ITC), state renewable energy standards, and utility procurement programs all support solar project development and the use of CdTe-based solar panels.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 10.9% over the forecast period. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the Asia-Pacific area has accounted for most worldwide solar PV capacity additions in recent years, led by China, India, and Japan. Governments in the region are actively supporting solar energy as part of their renewable energy initiatives. A significant trend is the development of large-scale CdTe solar arrays, both grid-tied and off-grid, to fulfill rising energy demand. Technological breakthroughs and lower installation costs are making CdTe technology an appealing option. Furthermore, the region's solar potential and increasing energy demands boost CdTe's importance in Asia-Pacific's renewable energy transition.

Europe is predicted to develop steadily as solar PV increases and nuclear reduction goals are met, particularly in Germany. The rapid expansion of solar farm installations and government efforts are essential drivers of European market growth. Such aspects contribute significantly to the market's growth. Furthermore, Germany's commitment to renewable energy, known as the Energiewende (energy transition), demonstrates the expansion of the European CdTe market. In April 2024, First Solar and Germany's Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) agreed to collaborate on thin-film module performance and perovskite/thin-film tandem solar technology.

However, Germany still needs to work on reaching its carbon-reduction ambitions. Despite more than two decades of government subsidies, tax breaks, and purchasing mandates, some argue that wind and solar power still account for a minuscule portion of global energy production. 

Segmental Analysis

The global cadmium telluride market is segmented based on type and application.

The market is further segmented by type into Powder and crystal.

The powder cadmium telluride market represents a sizable portion of the worldwide cadmium telluride market. Cadmium telluride (CdTe) powders are finely powdered particles of the chemical. Powdered CdTe is a common precursor material for thin-film solar cells and other semiconductor devices. Its features include excellent purity, consistent particle size distribution, and simplicity of deposition onto substrates via processes such as sputtering or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Chemical synthesis, precipitation, and ball milling are processes used to produce powdered CdTe. Powdered CdTe is an essential material for producing CdTe-based photovoltaic devices and electrical components because of its versatility and compatibility with various deposition methods.

The crystal sector is predicted to expand the market as quickly as possible. CdTe crystals are single or polycrystalline forms of cadmium telluride with well-defined crystal shapes and orientations. CdTe crystals are generated utilizing Bridgman-Stockbarger, traveling heater method (THM), and vertical gradient freeze (VGF) techniques. Crystalline CdTe has excellent electronic features, such as high carrier mobility, low defect density, and high optical absorption coefficients, making it ideal for high-performance photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications. Powder cadmium telluride is used in semiconductors and batteries due to its high water solubility. 

The market can be bifurcated by application into Solar Batteries, Semiconductors, and Laboratory Equipment.

The solar battery segment will have the highest market share of 40% in 2023. Cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells are widely used in the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry due to their low cost and high energy conversion efficiency. A noteworthy trend in this application is the persistent pursuit of improving CdTe technology to increase efficiency while lowering production costs. This commitment to innovation establishes CdTe solar cells as a competitive and long-term option for generating electricity from sunshine. 

Another notable trend in the CdTe industry is the increased integration of CdTe PV systems into various projects. These include residential, commercial, and utility-scale installations, contributing significantly to the global expansion of solar energy capacity. This extensive use demonstrates CdTe technology's versatility and adaptability, positioning it as an essential player in the ongoing shift to renewable energy sources and sustainable power generation solutions.

CdTe is a semiconductor in various electronic and optoelectronic devices, including transistors, diodes, photodetectors, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). CdTe has desirable electrical qualities in semiconductor applications, such as solid electron mobility, a direct bandgap, and good optical absorption. CdTe semiconductors have telecommunications, information technology, consumer electronics, and industrial automation applications. They are used in electronic circuits, sensors, imaging systems, and optoelectronic components for signal processing, data communication, sensing, and control.

Recent Developments

• May 2024- First Solar, Inc. ("First Solar") (NASDAQ: FSLR) announced that MN8 Energy LLC ("MN8") placed orders for 457 megawatts (MW) of advanced thin film solar modules, including 170 MW of Series 6 Plus bifacial modules and 287 MW of Series 7 modules. The modules will power projects in the northeastern and southeastern United States.
• January 2024- NREL awarded USD 1.8 million in the second round of contracts to support the development of cheaper, more efficient Cadmium Telluride solar cells.