First-tier China-based PV module makers, viewing that cost for crystalline silicon solar cells has risen but they are unable to hike PV module prices, plan to reduce orders released to Taiwan- and China-based solar cell makers, according to industry sources.
These first-tier China-based PV module makers include Trina Solar, CSI, Jinko Solar Holdings, JA Solar Holdings, Yinli Green Energy Holding, Suntech Power Holdings and GCL-Poly Energy Holdings, the sources noted.
Taiwan- and China-based solar cell makers have raised quotes to reflect solar wafer price increases by China-based suppliers who plan to further hike quotes for poly-Si solar wafers from US$0.88 currently to US$0.90 in February, the sources indicated.
Unlike solar wafer and cell makers, PV module makers are finding it difficult to hike prices because investors in PV systems, in response to diminishing government-set feed-in tariffs, have been asking for lower module prices to maintain return on investment, the sources explained.
In India and other emerging markets, such investors give priority to pricing over power-generating performance in choosing PV modules, making it highly difficult to hike prices, the sources said.
