Will China's crowded solar power sector keep global prices low?

BEIJING, April 3 (Reuters) - Consolidation in China's crowded solar power sector is pushing smaller players out of the market, but excess production capacity - with more on the way - threatens to keep global prices low for years.

Why will solar prices continue to drop?

A big reason why solar prices could continue to drop is significant development in the solar industry at large. The federal solar tax credit will be in place for at least the next 10 years. That means players in the solar industry -- from installers to manufacturers -- have received a green light to invest in their operations.

Why are solar and battery storage prices falling?

The study focuses on solar and battery storage, but the researchers note that wind power, heat pumps, and other clean technologies are also seeing a sharp drop in prices, too. Technological advances are making solar and battery storage smarter and more efficient.

Will a sustained increase in solar component prices happen in 2024?

"As supply is still set to outpace demand in 2024 a sustained increase in component prices is unlikely to happen unless supported by policy changes", such as reforms to bidding for solar components that keep sales prices above input costs, said Rystad's Bakke. China has yet to announce plans for any such changes.

Why are China's solar panels so expensive?

China accounts for 80% of solar module production capacity after years of subsidies, driving oversupply that has triggered a collapse in global prices and provoked import duties from trading partners to stave off being swamped by low-cost equipment.

Will solar panel prices drop 40% this year?

Tim Buckley, director of Climate Energy Finance, speaks to pv magazine about the current steep trajectory of solar module prices. He estimates that PV panels prices will end up dropping by 40% this year and predicts the closure of old technology and sub-scale solar manufacturing facilities, both in China and globally.