The Methodology

PHOTON Consulting has developed a robust proprietary system for determining current solar-grade silicon prices from which the PCSPI is generated, collecting data from numerous sources including but not exclusive to silicon producers, consumers and traders. “Producers” include existing producers of polysilicon and upgraded metallurgical silicon (UMG-Si). “Consumers” include solar ingot, wafer and cell manufacturers, as well as semiconductor wafer producers.

Under the auspices of information sharing agreements that include strict data and source confidentiality covenants, PHOTON Consulting actively surveys individuals in various positions at these silicon stakeholder organizations (including CEOs, purchasing managers and sales professionals) from a broad geographic base (including Europe, Asia and North America) to collect price information. Over 20 data points are included in the price survey. These data points are then aggregated and incorporated into our proprietary indexing model to create the PCSPI.