Energofact silver is the second most expensive component in the production of solar cells after the aluminum frame. It is used in current collection contacts because it has the best conductivity among the metals. But silver prices have risen sharply in recent years, breaking records in 2025-26, reaching $100 an ounce or more. For panel makers, that means costs have gone up not because of the silicon or glass, but because of the metal. The researchers replaced some of the silver in the ointment with nickel, a cheaper and more abundant metal.

Energofact silver is the second most expensive component in the production of solar cells after the aluminum frame. It is used in current collection contacts because it has the best conductivity among the metals. But silver prices have risen sharply in recent years, breaking records in 2025-26, reaching $100 an ounce or more. For panel makers, that means costs have gone up not because of the silicon or glass, but because of the metal. The researchers replaced some of the silver in the ointment with nickel, a cheaper and more abundant metal.