Why is Longi Green Energy switching from silver to copper in its solar cells?

Longi Green Energy is switching from silver to copper in response to soaring silver prices, which reached a record above $121 an ounce in January—nearly triple their level a year earlier—rattling the solar industry and prompting efforts to cut costs by adopting alternatives like copper, which is also highly conductive.

What is the significance of Longi's new facility in Shaanxi province?

Longi's newly operational facility in Shaanxi marks 'a key milestone in the large-scale implementation of its next-generation cell technology,' producing Alloy Contact Matrix cells that are more efficient and were brought online within three months.

China’s Top Solar Firm Switches From Silver to Copper

Jul 8, 2026

Longi Green Energy has started producing solar cells using copper instead of silver amid record metal prices. This launch represents a key milestone in next-generation cell technology implementation.

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