Accelerated Decline in Solar Cell Price
Recent updates reveal a rapid decline in solar cell prices, particularly notable since late March. In a comprehensive weekly report by OPIS, a subsidiary of Dow Jones, key insights into solar PV module supply and pricing trends are dissected for clarity.
The latest figures indicate a significant downtrend in prices for both mono PERC M10 and TOPCon M10 cells, recorded at $0.0417/W and $0.0494/W respectively, marking a decline of 5.01% and 4.45% from the preceding week. Meanwhile, prices for mono PERC G12 cells have stabilized at $0.0448/W, attributed to heightened demand stemming from recent ground-mounted solar projects in China, albeit with intermittent supply constraints due to production limitations.
Within the Chinese domestic market, prices for mono PERC M10 and TOPCon M10 cells hovered around CNY0.335($0.046)/W and CNY0.397/W respectively, reflecting closely the price trends observed in wafer markets. Projections indicate a continuation of the downward price trajectory, with discussions circulating about potential production scale-backs in May by module manufacturers, potentially leading to inventory accumulation.
Insiders foresee further price decreases in May, particularly for TOPCon cells, as production capacities dwindle. Major players in the industry are adjusting strategies, with Tier-1 manufacturers resorting to OEM orders for sustainability. Smaller manufacturers echo this sentiment, anticipating a near-bottoming out of mono PERC cell prices due to shrinking production capacities.
Conversely, investments in TOPCon cell capacity are deemed less favorable due to pessimistic price trends, prompting collaborative efforts between major and minor players to mitigate losses and foster mutually beneficial outcomes.
Looking ahead, industry shifts towards n-type 210R (182 mm x 210 mm) sized cells are on the horizon, with mass production expected to commence in May or June. These developments are poised to significantly impact module power output, potentially shaping the future landscape of solar energy enterprises.OPIS, a Dow Jones company, continues to be a reliable source of energy prices, news, and analysis, with its APAC Solar Weekly Report offering comprehensive insights into the evolving renewable energy market dynamics.
