The solar industry continues to evolve rapidly, with fierce competition from manufacturers, particularly in the Far East. At Intersolar in Munich, innovation is set to keep the momentum going. While solar modules with PERC cells are still widely available, it’s clear that the combination of TOPCon, tandem cells, and BackContact technologies are leading the way, driving performance higher than ever before.
Of course, fierce competition comes at a cost. The ongoing price war has led to significant disruptions, with Aleo Solar halting its operations and Sharp closing its European division after more than three decades. As a result, module prices are beginning to rise again, although steep increases are not expected in the near term.
Shortage driving prices
The supply shortage initially flagged earlier this year count as confirmed, particularly for high-output modules. New deliveries from manufacturers have been delayed and customers are increasingly turning to the spot market. While some products are still available from stock, demand is growing fast, leading to rapid price increases.
The smarter E Europe looks to flexibilisation, digitalisation and sector coupling
A major contributing factor to the shortage of goods arriving in Europe is rising domestic demand in China. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has announced several important changes to photovoltaic regulations, with some taking effect as early as the end of April. These changes are expected to have a ripple effect on global markets, particularly for manufacturers based in Europe.
China soaking up products
Much like Germany, solar systems in China are increasingly being used to stabilise the grid, with a strong emphasis on self-consumption and its associated benefits. Feed-in tariffs are adjusted to market electricity prices, and many developers are racing to complete their projects before the new regulations take full effect in June. As demand grows in China, European manufacturers are facing even greater pressure to meet their own production and supply needs.
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Dominance of BackContact Technology
Despite market disruptions, competition among solar manufacturers remains fierce. Leading players such as Longi and Aiko continue to innovate and use BackContact modules, which are now regarded as the top-of-the-range products available today. Both companies have taken a holistic approach, integrating the entire value chain – from wafers and cells to modules. This gives them a competitive edge, ensuring that their products perform at the highest level.
Fraunhofer ISE evaluates TOPCon UV testing
In the midst of all this competition, the solar industry is witnessing significant innovations that could reshape the future of energy generation. While challenges remain, new technologies on the horizon promise even higher efficiencies and greater adaptability. For example, Fraunhofer ISE’s recent testing of TOPCon modules under UV exposure suggests that the technology’s performance in real-world conditions is more resilient than initially thought, paving the way for broader adoption.
Fraunhofer ISE evaluates TOPCon UV testing
The future of solar technology continues to look promising. As manufacturers refine their existing products and develop new innovations, the industry is poised for even greater progress. From improvements in energy efficiency to the development of new market models, the smarter E Europe serves as a key platform for the latest trends and technologies that are driving the transition to a cleaner, renewable energy future..
You can read more on this in the next section The smarter E: TOPCon and BackContact dominate trends (HS/TF)
