EnergyTrend

Polysilicon and wafer suppliers are still struggling with oversupply and low demand. Tier 1 raw material manufacturers have signed their October orders, but further down the food chain, companies are still waiting for bites. Overall, prices on the cell and module level are in slight decline, although prices for ultra-high efficiency modules have climbed by a small margin, on the back of increased demand.

EnergyTrend has released a report suggesting that Taiwan is on its track to meet the target of building 20 GW solar PV by 2025. While decreasing module prices makes it easier for investors and stakeholders to achieve this goal, Taiwan’s module manufacturers are struggling to compete with the price developments this year. Many companies in Taiwan will, therefore, turn their eyes to the downstream market, the report claims.

The new policy would come into force in late 2019. PV players are warning the rule exacerbates costs and slows deployment but similar policies are in place for other types of renewables, and in most markets worldwide.

According to the Taiwanese analysts, the solar PV module market is still stable. However, EnergyTrend expects a new price war to erupt with the end of minimum import tariffs (MIPs). In particular, Taiwanese manufacturers will have to cope with increasing price pressure.

The latest reports from analysts at PV InfoLink and EnergyTrend show prices continuing to fall, though at a slower rate than was immediately seen after China’s 31/5 announcements. High efficiency mono-PERC modules fell to around US$0.32/W, while multicrystalline module prices held steady at between $0.26 and $0.29/W.

The predicted fall in global PV module prices appears to have already begun, with PVInsights and EnergyTrend reporting average prices in the $0.27-$0.37/W range.

Global solar installations could reach about 106 GW this year, largely on the back of high deployment in China and an anticipated demand recovery in Europe, according to a recent report.

China is likely to experience another solar PV installation rush in H1 2018, as the June 30 FIT deadline looms, although it will not reach more than 7.2 GW, says EnergyTrend. Q4 is, however, expected to see “hectic” activity topping 20 GW ahead of a December 30 deadline.

Annual PV demand in the U.S. to retreat 15% this year, but global demand for solar PV installations is at an all-time high, finds new research by EnergyTrend.