Prices for monocrystalline solar modules are picking up
Analysts at Taiwan-based EnergyTrend and China’s PV Infolink have reported a further increase in demand for monocrystalline solar cells and modules in recent days. Their respective analyses on multi-crystalline products, however, do not match.
Module prices have decreased by up to 25% so far this year, TrendForce says
According to the Gold Member Solar Report by EnergyTrend (Q3 2018), monocrystalline module prices have fallen almost 20% this year, while those for polycrystalline modules have dropped by more than 25%. Increased consolidation among manufacturers and developers is expected to occur in China and the global solar market, with more merger deals, plans for capacity reductions and even factory closures.
IEA low-balls solar growth (again)
The agency’s base case expects relatively flat growth in solar deployment over the next six years, but for solar to still dominate growth among renewable technologies. The agency’s estimates are again below those of major market analysts.
Canadian Solar unveils new 400+ Watt bifacial poly PERC black silicon module
The Chinese-Canadian module manufacturer says its P4-based BiHiKu panel, for large commercial and utility-scale solar projects, is able to provide up to 30 per cent additional output from the rear side.
US: 25% tariffs on Chinese inverters to start on January 1
The final order from the U.S. Trade Representative includes an interim tariff rate of 10% set to start on September 24.
EnergyTrend expects price shuffle after EU ends MIP
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.
Global EV sales hit 4 million, soaring market sees next million in May 2019
While it took 60 months to reach the first million electric vehicle (EV) sales, in late 2015, it took the fourth million just six months. China is driving this development. Meanwhile, as first generation EVs batteries are reaching their end-of-life, interest in second-life use cases is growing. The volume of retired EV battery packs is set to be 108 GWh by 2029 – representing a third of the expected storage capacity market at that time.
Is China about to add 10 GW of unsubsidized solar?
Rumor has it industry lobbying has persuaded the government to agree to 300-500 MW of distributed PV in each of the populous nation’s 34 local government areas, with a reduction in “non-technical costs” making up for a lack of guaranteed payment.
PV Info Link: Mono-cSi cell price drops below multi
According to PV Info Link, the price for monocrystalline cells in China fell below that of the usually cheaper multicrystalline products. However analysts expect it to be a blip, with multi prices expected to fall and mono to be supported by the Top Runner Program, now China’s main source of demand for the rest of 2018.
Beijing about-turn influenced collapse of polysilicon deal
Shanghai Electric says the Chinese government’s abrupt decision to rein in solar was a significant factor in the collapse of its planned US$3.64 billion acquisition of a controlling stake in the world’s biggest poly maker.
