Solar Cell Makers Have Been Hoping to Increase The Price of Solar Cells

Solar cell makers have been hoping to increase the price of solar cells with conversion efficiency of 16.4-16.8% to rise beyond US$0.80/watt in August. However, actual prices are still being negotiated due to a growing lack of confidence among suppliers, according to industry sources. The oversupply condition in the market still exists causing uneven spread of demand among cross-strait solar firms. The uneven spread of demand means some firms were able to increase price as expected but some are still negotiating with clients. The current quotation range of cross-strait first-tier solar cell firms ranges between US$0.75-0.80/watt. The quotations of second-tier solar cell makers have been increasing by US$0.1-0.20/watt. According to industry sources, the price of solar modules has not been increasing, hence it is difficult for module firms to accept the increase of quotes from solar cell makers. Industry sources added the quotation of 6-inch solar wafers from cross-strait firms has been around US$2.10-2.20/unit. Taiwan-based solar wafer maker Sino-American Silicon (SAS) reported July revenues of NT$1,237 million (US$43 million) representing on-month increase of 16.48% and on-year decrease of 34.73%. The accumulated revenues from January-July were NT$9,843 million, a 16.26% increase on year. Taiwan-based solar cell maker Gintech saw increase in July revenues. Gintech reported July revenues of NT$1,571 million with on-month increase of 52.23% and on-year decrease of 35.42%. Accumulated revenues were NT$11.538 billion, representing on-year decrease of 22.96%. Source: www.digitimes.com