Market Analysis
MARKET ANALYSIS: Price development of solar modules
Here you will find the complete collection of all articles on the price development of solar modules as well as commentaries on the PV market development, which are also published in trade journals such as pv magazine or photovoltaik as well as on online platforms such as Solarserver or EUWID Energie.
Monitoring the price development of solar modules is of crucial importance for investors, manufacturers and other players in the solar energy industry. A sound understanding of market trends makes it possible to make the most of opportunities and take forward-looking decisions.
As a way to stay informed about PV price developments and other important trends, pvXchange Solarshop offers a monthly market report. This report provides regularly updated information and analysis to give readers a comprehensive picture of the solar market and help them make informed decisions. Additional information on the development of the PV market is also available in our photovoltaic price index.
PV Expert Dipl.-Ing. Martin Schachinger
Managing Partner | Business Development
Founder and Managing Director Martin Schachinger has been involved with photovoltaics for almost 30 years. Since 2008, he has regularly surveyed module prices and written market commentaries that have made him a sought-after expert in the international solar industry.
December scarcely saw any changes in module prices over the previous month - once again, it should be noted. The downward movement of prices for Japanese and Southeast Asian goods is marginal at best and is no indication of a trend.
As the year draws to a close, there has been little movement in module prices. A slight bottleneck in polycrystalline standard modules noted in November failed to lift prices, counteracted by the usual stock clearance sales in December.
There were no many surprises in last month's market and module price development. With broadly stable prices, the markets in Germany and Europe saw, at best, a slight improvement from September to October, but on the whole it is still at a disappointing level.
In September, the PV markets changed very little over the previous month and also module prices from all regions changed only marginally. Fluctuations in one direction or another will mostly be smoothed out again in October.
For the first time in 10 years, the average price of solar panels manufactured in China reached parity with the cost of solar panels produced in Europe. But this notable situation was short-lived ...
Despite slight monthly fluctuations, prices for Asian panels remain stable overall, whereas prices for European products have seen a gradual but steady decline.
In reality, unlike in the Star Wars saga, the line between good and evil is not always clear and distinct. This is evident in the debate over antidumping duties and the unintended effects of the resulting market restrictions in Europe.
No turnaround in sight. This is the bitter conclusion, yet again, from a look at PV market development in May. Although prices of panels from all Asian regions rose again by one or two percentage points, German and European panel prices remained flat.
As expected, the rise in prices for Asian products has continued unabated in April. The module prices of the few surviving German and European manufacturers appear to have been bogged down since the start of the year.
The steadily climbing prices for modules from outside the euro area have continued unfalteringly in the second quarter. One by one, Asian manufacturers have been raising their prices by a few percentage points, but ever so gradually, being well aware of the effect of higher prices.
Despite relatively mild temperatures, PV demand in Europe has not quite hit its stride yet. March saw a slight price increase for modules from all regions of origin. That was primarily down to the weak euro, however. Nevertheless, a general shortage of cheap Asian goods is discernible.
A material shortage due to Asian manufacturers' neglect of supplying the European market led to a slight increase in prices in January, despite restrained demand.