This special report examines solar PV supply chains from raw materials all the way to the finished product, spanning the five main segments of the manufacturing process: polysilicon, ingots, wafers, cells and modules. Global solar PV manufacturing capacity has increasingly moved from Europe, Japan and the United States to China over the last decade. 8 GW of new solar capacity in the first quarter of 2026, surpassing 6 million cumulative installations. Pawlenty will assume the role on June 15. Until then, Darren Van't Hof will continue serving as interim president and CEO, providing steady leadership and ensuring a. NLR's solar techno-economic analysis examines the manufacturing costs, system costs, and supply chain issues for solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage technologies. This work informs research and development by identifying drivers of cost, supply chain, and competitiveness for solar. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) serves as the principal platform for international co-operation; a centre of excellence; a repository of policy, technology, resource, and financial knowledge; and a driver of action on the ground to advance the transformation of the global energy.
