Solar cell Polycrystalline silicon

monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon in its solar cells, 

using 7.5 grams of silicon per watt.[9] In the silicon PV industry,

the cost of the silicon accounts for approximately 45% of each module’s manufacturing cost.[10] This means that when silicon prices rise TSL is forced to either absorb the extra cost, or pass it on to consumers. The price of silicon has increased as a result of the rapid growth of the PV industry and the continued demand for processed silicon from electronics manufacturers. The increased demand in the world market has caused severe shortages, but these shortages are being addressed by silicon manufacturers and likely will not last much longer.