What is Tellurium (XTE)?
Tellurium is one of the rarest elements on Earth: its crustal abundance is comparable to platinum. This brittle metalloid has unique semiconductor properties that found application in solar energy.
Tellurium and solar panels
Cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film panels are the second most common solar technology after silicon panels. First Solar is the largest CdTe panel manufacturer. These panels are cheaper than silicon and perform better at high temperatures.
Scarcity and outlook
Tellurium is extracted as a byproduct of copper refining. Global production is only about 500 tonnes per year. With growing solar generation, tellurium demand may exceed supply. The EU and US have included tellurium in critical minerals lists.