Substituting silver in solar photovoltaics is feasible and allows for decentralization in smart regional grids

Photovoltaic (PV) energy is reaching full grid parity in many regions, which can trigger a global deployment of home PV panels and PV systems near municipalities. The scaling-up of conventional crystalline silicon panels to the terawatt range is not feasible due to insufficient global silver reserves. However, recent copper metallization in front and rear contacts of silicon cells avoids the use of silver. This opens the door to a rapid and wide diffusion of PV energy. Intelligent grids allow the integration of decentralized and centralized generators of all types and size. A regional integration based on such grids can compensate the intermittency of PV production with the storage capacity of hydroelectricity and Concentrating Solar Power stations. It makes the best of both systems: local autonomy through home PV and supply stability through large renewable stations.