China's solar supply chain has been dumping inventory recently but this has been easing as the number of competitors decreases. Many small- and medium-size firms are unlikely to revive production in 2013 and this has been causing the price to stabilize.
According to industry sources in China, most small- and medium-size solar firms are unlikely to revive production due to the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation in the EU. Market observers believe the result of the investigation will likely be announced in first-half 2013. If the punitive tariff rate is high, most small- and medium-size solar firms in China will consider exiting the market, said sources.
Industry sources added that tier-one firms in China have been quoting solar cells with 17% conversion efficiency at around US$0.32-0.34/W. Meanwhile, sources added, other firms in China have been quoting the same products at around US$0.30-0.32/W. Currently, it is difficult to find such products with prices around US$0.30/W, said industry sources.
The current solar cell price in Taiwan is flat compared to the price in December 2012. This is because the industry has built a consensus to halt price competition.
Taiwan-based solar cell maker E-Ton Solar reported December 2012 revenues of NT$161 million (US$5.55 million), representing an on-month increase of 13.88%.
