Global demand for PV modules is expected to shift from 250W models currently to 260W ones in the second quarter of 2015, and thereby demand for polycrystalline silicon solar cells with energy conversion rates of at least 17.8% used to make 260W PV modules will increase as well, according to industry sources.
The US government lowered anti-dumping and anti-subsidization tariffs on China-produced PV modules in 2012 from an average 30% to 17.50% in early January 2015 and the lowered rates will come into effect in the second quarter. First-tier China-based PV module makers are expected to use in-house-produced polycrystalline silicon solar cells with energy conversion rates of at least 17.8% to make 260W models for export to the US market in the second quarter, the sources said. If in-house capacity is not sufficient, they will have to rely on supply from Taiwan-based makers, the sources indicated.
As a result, Taiwan-based makers have received booming orders for polycrystalline silicon solar cells with energy conversion rates of at least 17.8% from China-based PV module makers, the sources said. In addition, Taiwan-based makers have obtained orders for such cells from Japan and Europe where demand for rooftop PV systems is strong, the sources indicated.
Currently, Taiwan-based makers quote such solar cells at US$0.33/W, the sources said.
