LS MnM eyes solar power market in U.S. with solar panel materials

[Courtesy of LS MnM]

LS MnM is expanding into the U.S. market with its solar power materials, specifically the silver powder and silver paste that are crucial in solar panel production.

According to its sustainability report released on Tuesday, LS MnM is focusing on improving the technology and quality of these products to explore opportunities in South Korean and U.S. markets.

Silver paste plays a vital role in solar panels by acting as a wire to transfer electricity externally, while silver powder is the raw material for silver paste. LS MnM plans to manage the production of both materials to ensure a stable supply chain for customers and expand its business with specialized technology. The company aims to introduce and sell new products tailored for Korean solar module companies including Hanwha Q CELLS as a preparatory step towards market entry.

To facilitate this expansion, LS MnM intends to establish a technical center in the United States to support technology needs and lay the groundwork for market entry. The company has set goals to supply next-generation products demanded by local solar panel manufacturers and achieve sales within the United States In the long term and is planning to build production plants for silver powder and silver paste there to increase market share.

LS MnM is also preparing to enter the electric vehicle (EV) film heater silver powder market. EV film heaters, made from high-efficiency heating materials, are becoming essential in the EV heating market.

For its part, SK ecoplant is launching a rooftop solar project in Vietnam. On Tuesday, SK ecoplant announced the completion of a 1 MW rooftop solar installation at the Samil Vina factory in Dong Nai Province. Samil Vina is the Vietnamese subsidiary of Korean textile company Samil Knit.

According to SK ecoplant, Vietnam is experiencing significant power shortages due to rising demand and inadequate supply and grid infrastructure. The new rooftop solar installation at Samil Vina’s factory will provide 100 percent of the generated electricity for on-site consumption, minimizing the need for additional grid infrastructure and reducing energy loss during transmission.