The Global Solar Power Boom Is Driving a Surge in Silver Demand

By Christian Moess Laursen – WSJ Sustainable Business

A booming solar-power industry is driving a surge in the demand for silver, which is needed in large quantities to make photovoltaic panels. 

Silver is integral to the production of solar photovoltaic—or solar PV—panels because of its high electrical conductivity, thermal efficiency and optical reflectivity, and mining companies are aiming to boost output as prices for the precious metal have climbed to decade highs.