Polysilicon production
BOTTLENECKOnly four firms produce electronic-grade (>11N) polysilicon, and solar lines cannot bridge the orders-of-magnitude impurity gap.
Chemical purification of MG-Si via trichlorosilane or silane to solar-grade (>9N) or electronic-grade (>11N) polysilicon. Electronic-grade material requires orders of magnitude lower impurity levels and commands substantial price premium. Hemlock, Wacker, Tokuyama and Mitsubishi Materials capture this premium versus commodity solar-grade producers; REC Silicon exited polysilicon entirely by 2025.
What the evidence shows
China accounts for around 80% of global polysilicon production.
fortunebusinessinsights.comChina contributes approximately 60% of global semiconductor-grade polysilicon production.
marketreportsworld.comQinghai Lihao entered the ranking in its second year of operation and secured fifth place in 2024.
solarpowerworldonline.comWho controls it
Where it sits in the stack
Takes in: MG-Si, HCl, hydrogen, energy
Sends on: Polysilicon chunks/granules (solar-grade or electronic-grade) for ingot pulling
Full scorecard, owner shares, supply edges and the full tracked roster are in the desk letter.
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