A low demand for modules in the global market for the first quarter of next year has made prices photovoltaic modules fall. The top five manufacturers are only at 50-70% of contracted capacity, while order volumes from smaller manufacturers are even lower.
The information is InfoLink Consulting, a consultancy specialized in monitoring the global photovoltaic industry. The company explains that prices in RMB are those in China, while dollars are prices abroad, not a direct conversion of RMB to US dollars.
According to the latest bulletin, which considers prices charged between Thursday (14) and Wednesday (20/12), the price of 182 mm PERC monofacial modules is around RMB 0,89-1,05/W , with average prices falling to RMB 0,95-0,96/W, while new contract prices approach RBM 0,92-0,93/W. “Some have already started negotiations at a price lower than RMB 0,9/W.”
For 210mm PERC monofacial modules, prices ranged from RMB 0,92-1,08/W, with new hires advancing at RMB 0,95-1/W. The price difference between 182mm PERC and 210mm monofacial PERC is gradually decreasing.
Due to cost factors and an indeterminate market, HJT prices remain stagnant. So far, prices are around RMB 1,25-1,3/W, while overseas order prices hover around US$0,16-0,17/W.
Cell manufacturers operating at a loss
Trading prices for M10 P-type cells have stabilized this week, showing signs of reaching their lowest point at RMB 0,38/W, more occasionally trading at RMB 0,36-0,37/W.
On the other hand, the trading prices of G12 size cells continue to decrease, remaining at RMB 0,4/W, narrowing the price difference with M10 cells.
For N-type cells, the main trading prices of M10 TOPCon cells also saw a slight decline this week, falling around RMB 0,47/W, which did not fully match the prices quoted last week.
Meanwhile, most G12 HJT cell manufacturers produce primarily for self-consumption, with limited production for foreign sales. Their prices for high-efficiency cells range from RMB 0,65/W to RMB 0,7/W.
According to Infolink, all cell production is currently operating at a loss, leading to a pessimistic atmosphere among manufacturers, prompting continued plans to reduce production.
With excess supply and declining module prices, companies need to devise strategies to survive the cycle and get rid of older production lines.
