Silicon wafer

Silicon wafers are a step in production of semiconductors, both for electronics and solar panels. They are made from semiconductor grade silicon which is cast into ingots, sliced into wafers, chemically treated, metalized and cleaned. Most energy is used for casting; while most chemicals are used in the latter parts of the process. The slicing causes about 50% loss of the silicon, which we accounted for.

This item is an intermediate step, and thus not included in the main menu.

Main sources: here.