Solar Module Materials Needed and Cost Structure

Want an offer for solar machines?

Make a request!

Text Version of the Video

Below the information boxes, you will find the text version of the video and further downloads. You will also see the title of the next lesson and when it will be available:

Downloads:

In addition to the video, we have prepared a PDF document, which can be viewed and downloaded.

Access the PDF version

Solar Module Materials: Planning and Cost Structure

In this overview, we take a look at the materials needed to produce high-quality solar modules. You will see which components are essential, where they come from, and how they influence the total production cost. The goal is to understand the basic structure of a solar module and how material planning connects with line design.

Glass: Front and Rear Protection
Front Glass
Every module begins with glass. The front glass provides protection and transparency for the solar cells, allowing sunlight to reach the cells while protecting them from environmental factors.
Rear Glass vs. Back Sheet
Rear glass can be used instead of a back sheet, but it adds weight and increases the risk of breakage during handling and installation. For most applications, the standard back sheet remains the lighter and safer option.

The choice between rear glass and back sheet depends on:

Weight requirements
Handling considerations
Installation environment
Bifacial performance needs
Cost constraints

Desert Technology Advantage
This material keeps the module stable even under extreme heat and UV exposure, especially in desert climates. It provides:

Enhanced thermal stability
Superior UV resistance
Extended module lifetime in harsh conditions
Reduced degradation in extreme temperatures

Solar Cells: Flexible Sourcing Strategy
The solar cells themselves are usually purchased components. This keeps the production line technology independent and flexible.

Benefits of Purchasing Cells

It means you can easily adapt when new cell designs or efficiency levels enter the market without changing your main production equipment. This approach provides:

Technology flexibility
Lower initial investment
Ability to upgrade cell efficiency without line changes
Independence from cell manufacturing complexity

Need Help? Want More Information?

We can help you make a perfect business plan - just click the link below for more information about our paid offerings

Yes, I want more details about the business plan!

Transparent Foil for Bifacial Modules
Transparent foil can also be used to produce bifacial modules. This option is especially useful in regions where roofs cannot support heavy glass modules.

Advantages of Foil Modules
Foil modules are:

Lighter weight
Much lower breakage risk under high temperature conditions
Still enable bifacial operation
Easier to transport and install
Ideal for weight-sensitive applications

Frame and Junction Box
Aluminum Frame
The aluminum frame stabilizes the module and ensures easier handling during production and installation. It provides structural integrity and defines the module's final dimensions.

Junction Box
The junction box connects the electrical circuit to the PV system. It houses the bypass diodes and provides the electrical interface between the module and the external wiring.
Together, these components represent about 10 to 15% of the total material cost, but they are critical for module durability and system integration.

Global Supply Chain Diversification
More and more deliveries now come from outside China. As a specialist for solar module production lines, JVG Technology helps customers identify alternative suppliers and reliable sources in:

Europe
India
Other emerging regions

Benefits of Diversified Sourcing
This guarantees:

Stable supply chains
Reduced dependency on single markets
Better risk management
Local sourcing opportunities
Improved logistics flexibility

Material Cost Structure in 2025
In 2025, average material costs for solar modules are around 10 US cents per watt depending on quality and efficiency.

Cost Breakdown

Solar cells: Make up about 40 to 60% of total material costs

Other components: The remaining 40 to 60% comes from:

Glass
Encapsulant films
Frames
Electrical components (junction box, cables, connectors)

Understanding this cost structure is essential for planning production economics and pricing strategy.

Material Planning and Line Design
Effective material planning connects directly with production line design. When planning a factory, consider:

Material availability in your region
Supplier reliability and alternatives
Storage requirements and inventory management
Quality control for incoming materials
Compatibility between materials and equipment
Future technology upgrades

A well-planned material strategy ensures smooth production, consistent quality, and competitive costs throughout the lifetime of your factory.

Building Your Solar Factory

JVG Technology GmbH is a German supplier of turnkey equipment for solar module production. We design and build complete manufacturing lines from 20 megawatt up to 1.2 gigawatt.

Our Expertise
Our systems are ideal for:

Startups entering the solar manufacturing industry
Emerging markets
Regions with competitive labor costs
Africa and other developing regions

Comprehensive Support
From the first planning step to full production, we support our partners through every stage of their solar factory project, including:

Material sourcing strategy
Supplier identification and qualification
Equipment selection and configuration
Line design and layout optimization
Technology transfer and training

Contact us to discuss how we can help you build a successful solar module production facility with optimized material planning and reliable supply chains.