While Far East manufacturers remain in fierce competition, innovation is set to continue apace at Intersolar in Munich. Although solar modules with PERC cells are still on the market, it’s the combination of TOPCon, tandem cells, and BackContact technologies that are driving performance ever higher.
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The price war has come at a cost: Aleo Solar has halted activities and Sharp has ended its European operations after more than three decades in the market. Prices are now gradually rising again, but steep increases are not expected.
Shortage driving prices
The shortage indicated earlier in the year has now been confirmed, particularly for high-output modules. New deliveries from manufacturers are delayed and customers are increasingly turning to the spot market. Some products are still available from stock, but as demand grows, prices will quickly rise.
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A key reason fewer goods are arriving in Europe is the rising domestic demand in China. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) in China has announced important changes to regulations surrounding photovoltaics, with some set to take effect at the end of April.
China soaking up products
In China, as in Germany, solar systems are being used to stabilise the grid, with strong promotion of self-consumption and its benefits. Feed-in rates are adjusted to market electricity prices, and many developers are eager to complete their projects before the end of April. The majority of the new regulations will take effect in June.
Despite the turmoil in the market, the competition among solar manufacturers remains intense. Major players like Longi and Aiko are using BackContact modules, which represent the top-of-the-range products available today. Both manufacturers also integrate the entire value chain, from wafers to cells to modules.
Fraunhofer ISE evaluates TOPCon UV testing
The solar sector is witnessing significant innovations, which could reshape the future of energy generation. While challenges remain, new technologies on the horizon promise even higher efficiencies.
You can read more on this in the next section The smarter E: TOPCon and BackContact dominate trends (HS/TF)
