Why are China's solar panels so expensive?

China accounts for 80% of solar module production capacity after years of subsidies, driving oversupply that has triggered a collapse in global prices and provoked import duties from trading partners to stave off being swamped by low-cost equipment.

Why are PV module prices falling?

Experts said the primary reason for the price decline is the imbalance in supply and demand, together with market expectations of a reduction in silicon material prices. In addition, large global inventory stockpiles make it challenging for module prices to rise. Under the low-price scenario, PV enterprises face considerable challenges.

Will China's crowded solar power sector keep global prices low?

BEIJING, April 3 (Reuters) - Consolidation in China's crowded solar power sector is pushing smaller players out of the market, but excess production capacity - with more on the way - threatens to keep global prices low for years.

Will a sustained increase in solar component prices happen in 2024?

"As supply is still set to outpace demand in 2024 a sustained increase in component prices is unlikely to happen unless supported by policy changes", such as reforms to bidding for solar components that keep sales prices above input costs, said Rystad's Bakke. China has yet to announce plans for any such changes.

Are Chinese solar panels cheaper than US solar panels?

Oversupply pushed prices of finished solar panels in China down 42% in 2023, making Chinese panels more than 60% cheaper than U.S.-made equipment, with some module-only manufacturers taking orders at negative margins to preserve market share, said Wood Mackenzie analyst Huaiyan Sun.

Is the 1 yuan/W era coming?

Many sources pointed to how the 1 yuan/W era has arrived already, with a recent major China procurement tender seeing P-type module bids of as low as 0.993 yuan/W. There is “brutal competition” coming, and “industry consolidation may see more momentum,” according to one solar market veteran.