Hello fellow solar enthusiasts! I’m excited to dive into a topic that I know has been on many of your minds recently – the global PV industry and its pricing trends. As many of you know, solar panels for your home have been becoming increasingly popular, with more solar companies emerging on the scene. This has, inevitably, stirred discussion over solar cell prices and the ability of solar companies to remain competitive. So, let’s get the ball rolling on some of the latest happenings in the solar world.
Last week, cell prices remained stable due to the Mid-Autumn festival in China. To give you more context, the Mono PERC M10 cell and TOPCon M10 cell prices stayed constant at $0.0354/W, while the Mono PERC G12 cell prices did not change, remaining at $0.0372/W. This stagnation can be largely attributed to the closing of the Chinese market during this time.
The solar industry has seen some sluggish demand lately, mainly because of recently falling prices in the cell segment. According to data by OPIS, M10 PERC cell prices have dropped by a whopping 21.68% since January this year, and M10 TOPCon cell prices have plummeted by nearly 40% over the same period.
However, do not let these figures discourage you from considering a solar array for home. Experts predict that a further reduction in cell prices might actually lead to producers shutting production lines, as cell prices are currently below production costs. There is also an expectation of a slight increase in cell prices post-holidays, as cell manufacturers consider price hikes amid minor gains in the upstream wafer segment.
In other news, China exported approximately 4.65 GW of solar cells in July, with a majority destined for India. It’s fascinating to watch how the solar landscape pans out across different nations and to observe how this impacts the robust network of solar companies worldwide.
Shifting our focus to India, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is currently seeking feedback on draft guidelines for an Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) specifically for solar cells. The directive specifies that all ALMM projects must source their photovoltaic modules from models and manufacturers included in ALMM List-I for solar PV modules and also utilize solar PV cells from models and manufacturers in ALMM List-II for solar PV cells. You’d certainly agree that such steps govern the solar company landscape and substantially influence the choice of solar panels for your home.
Lastly, a significant development on the United States front: U.S. trade officials recently confirmed new 50% Section 301 tariffs for cells, whether assembled into modules or not, imported from China, set to take effect on September 27. In a surprising turn of events, the USTR also proposed applying the same tariff to polysilicon and wafers out of China. This could dramatically alter the way Chinese solar companies operate and rearrange their supply chains.
In conclusion, the solar industry is filled with ongoing changes and advancements. The dynamism of this sector is what keeps me hooked, and I’m confident it does the same for you. As someone interested in solar panels for your home or seeking to plunge into the world of solar companies, now is an exciting time to be part of this transformative journey. Stay tuned for further updates on the wonders and intricacies of the solar world.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/09/20/chinese-solar-cell-prices-stable-in-a-quiet-market/
