German website
Prices for modules continued their climb in May on strong demand and limited supply, while inverter prices edged down. The PV Purchasing Managers' Index held held firm as brand leaders reshuffled, according to figures from sun.store.
A tsunami of cheap Chinese solar panels flooding Europe, a growing taste for rooftop solar and a boom for small, medium and large-scale battery storage – these are the three overarching trends for 2025 as predicted by Midsummer Executive VP Sven Lindström.
Rising cell prices, falling export values, stable polysilicon – the solar market is sending mixed signals. We spoke with Gerard Scheper, CEO of European Solar, about what the latest figures reveal for the road ahead.
The latest ITRPV report forecasts n-type TOPCon technology will soon lead the market. Mass-produced tandem-silicon cells are expected to see significant growth, while solar module shipments set a new record in 2024.
February brought a mixed picture to the European solar market, with module prices showing both declines and increases across categories, while buyer confidence hit a new high. The PV Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) climbed to 73, signaling robust demand and optimism as the industry gears up for the peak installation season.
The Chinese government has reduced a tax break for solar panels by 4 percent. It may be a first sign that solar panel prices will rise again in the new year. Especially now that it seems likely that the Chinese government will also abolish the remaining 9 percent tax benefit in the first half of 2025, says Gerard Scheper, CEO of European Solar. "This finally seems to be the end of the declining price curve of solar panels and making it less interesting to postpone the purchase any longer."
The European PV market closed 2024 on a resilient note despite slight seasonal adjustments. The December edition of the PV Index of sun.store highlights continued demand stability paired with notable price adjustments in solar panels and inverters. While the PV Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) dipped slightly to 67, the market exhibited confidence, with half of buyers planning increased purchases as they prepared for 2025.
The European PV market remained steady in November, with the PV Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) holding firm at 68, consistent with October. While buyer confidence remains robust, solar panel and inverter prices continued their downward trajectory across most categories, signaling a market grappling with seasonal adjustments and intensified competition, according to trading platform sun.store.
The European PV market in October 2024 saw a mixture of stability and seasonally driven changes. Overall, there was a downward trend in solar component prices across most categories. The PV Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) edged down to 68, returning to its August level, signaling that demand remains resilient, but the season is drawing to a close.
New data from Cornwall Insight reveals that profits for battery storage units are set to rebound by 2026. The data from Cornwall Insight’s GB Battery Revenue Forecast, shows rising wholesale prices and added price volatility, alongside renewable build out over the next few years, will lead to the rise in revenues.
The European PV market showed renewed vigor in September, as the PV Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) saw a notable uptick to 71, up from 68 in August. This indicates a clear resurgence in demand despite ongoing price declines in the solar component market. Solar panel prices continued their downward trajectory across nearly all categories, with significant drops observed in both monofacial and bifacial segments.
The summer of 2024 has not led to an increase in demand for solar panels. Due to the low prices, the financial problems continue, according to Gerard Scheper, CEO of European Solar. "Consumer interest and market are actually temporarily 'on pause', but a company cannot be on pause for a year. Fortunately, the C&I market and batteries still offer some hope."
The European PV market has shown resilience in August, with the PV Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) holding steady at 68, reflecting consistent demand despite ongoing industry challenges and the vacation season. However, prices across all major categories, including Monofacial and Bifacial modules, continued their downward trajectory, with significant declines noted in both N-type and P-type segments.
The battle of the Chinese suppliers continues. Hopes that more powerful solar modules will achieve higher prices have not yet been fulfilled. Nevertheless, interesting new products were presented this summer.
Due to an ever-expanding supply, without increasing demand, a gigantic overcapacity in the solar energy sector has rapidly arisen in the past year. The rapidly dropped prices have subsequently caused financial problems throughout the supply chain. "There's no one taking advantage of this at all”, says Gerard Scheper, CEO of European Solar. To put a stop to the current situation, the Chinese government wants to take measures.
The pace of PV installations across Europe continues slight deceleration after a peak in May. This trend is reflected in the PV Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which remained unchanged vs June, at the level of 68. Additionally, there has been a notable reduction in solar panel prices across almost all categories.
The pace of PV installations across Europe is now beginning to slow slightly. This trend is reflected in the PV Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), which returned to April’s levels in June after a rise in May. The June reading stands at 68, down from 72 in May. Additionally, there has been a significant decline in solar panel prices across all categories.
.Following a robust start to the year, the pace of PV installations across Europe continues to stabilize with minor fluctuations. The PV Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for May shows a reading of 72, a slight increase from 68 in April, indicating a positive shift in market sentiment. Despite a moderate demand outlook, solar panel prices have seen a notable decline across various categories.
Now that spring is halfway through and temperatures are starting to rise, there is also a cautious optimism in the solar sector. There is a very slight recovery in prices and a pick-up in demand. The big question seems to be: how will demand react to real price increases? "Everyone is now used to low prices and will want to buy just before a price increase," says Gerard Scheper, CEO of European Solar. "That can lead to chaos in another way."
The pace of PV installations across Europe is showing a slight deceleration. This trend is mirrored in the PV Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), which has recorded modest yet consistent declines since February. Along with softening demand for residential modules, there is a noticeable fall in solar panel prices, particularly in specific categories.
What are the most important PV market and industry trends? Bartosz Majewski, CEO and Co-Founder of Menlo Electric, provides answers and his point of view in our new monthly series.
Prices for solar modules have remained largely stable for the past four weeks. Nevertheless, there is no recovery in sight that would help European module production. Politicians must take urgent action here.
The electricity industry and energy intensives join forces to boost Europe’s industrial competitiveness in a net-zero economy.
C&I solar modules with power classes 450-500 W were in short supply in March, driving average monofacial prices up from 0.124 to 0.129 EUR/ W. The increase was despite sluggish need for residential PV modules, with full black modules recording another slight price drop. Despite this moderate price rebound, the buyers remained bullish about the demand in the upcoming month.
Engin Yaman, Managing Director of LONGi Germany, on current market developments, the security of supply chains and price developments, the discussion on Chinese price dumping and the business strategy for Europe and Germany.
