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Technological changes in the production of solar panels are increasing demand for silver, a phenomenon that is deepening a shortage in the supply of the precious metal, while there is limited opportunity on the horizon to secure additional mining, reports "Bloomberg". Silver, in paste form, is used for the conductive layer on the front and back of silicon solar cells. But the sector is already starting to produce more efficient variants of cells that use much more metal, and this will contribute to increasing the already growing consumption. Solar power still represents a relatively small portion of total silver demand, but it is growing. According to a report by The Silver Institute, it will account for 14% of consumption this year, up from about 5% in 2014. Much of that growth is coming from China, which is expected to install more solar panels this year than the United States. Demand for silver from the solar industry is growing. Chart: Bloomberg Solar energy is “a great...