Asia will produce over 80% of all crystalline silicon solar cells by 2012, according to Greentech Media Research. As of last year, Asia manufactured just over 70% of all solar cells on the planet.

With continued and increased assistance from government programs and lower labor costs, Asia will expand their production and hopes to become the global leader in this increasingly important and relevant technology. Most international solar cell makers are looking for ways to keep costs low so they can get solar power work out to be of the same input and output value as traditional sources of energy. Inexpensive labor is one of the simplest ways to keep costs relatively low.

China, Taiwan and Japan are on their way to being the world leaders in solar cell production, producing 44% of all solar cells by 2012, which is the equivalent of 12 MW of power.

Photovoltaic cells, better known as solar panels, are plates made of extremely sensitive semiconductors – which are special silicone based compounds – that are able to absorb electrons transmitted from sunlight rays. The energy rattles the electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely, and then be absorbed to flow in a specific direction and create electric current that later on can be used to power equipment. Photovoltaic arrays, or arrays of solar panels, generate a powerful form of renewable electricity.