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.

What is China's production capacity for solar modules?

At the end of 2023, China's annual production capacity for finished solar modules was 861 gigawatts (GW) equivalent according to China Photovoltaic Industry Association data, more than double global module installations of 390 GW.

What happened to Photovoltaic prices in October 2024?

Overview by technology of different price points in October 2024, including the changes over the previous month: Only tax-free prices for photovoltaic modules are shown. The prices stated reflect the average offer prices in retail and on the European spot market (customs cleared).

Which solar module manufacturers have integrated cell and wafer supply chains?

The top four module manufacturers, Jinko Solar, Trina Solar (688599.SS), Longi and JA Solar, all have integrated cell and wafer supply chains. Transition to more efficient N-type modules gives an advantage to higher tech manufacturers.

Should the US loosen restrictions on cheap Chinese solar panels?

Even with the support of subsidies and tariffs, U.S. solar manufacturers struggled to compete with the flood of cheap solar panels pouring out of China into the global market. While some argue that the U.S. should loosen restrictions on cheap Chinese solar panels to accelerate renewable energy deployment, this approach is unsustainable.