27/03/2026
Public Announcement: 2026 Solar Market Price Adjustment
Effective Date: April 1, 2026
Overview of the Market Shift
After reaching historical lows in 2025, global solar panel prices are projected to rise by 20% to 25% throughout 2026. This upward trend is primarily driven by a "perfect storm" of fiscal policy shifts in China—the world’s largest manufacturer—and a sharp increase in the cost of essential raw materials.
1. The "April 1" Policy Catalyst
The most immediate driver of this increase is the Chinese government’s decision to eliminate Value-Added Tax (VAT) export rebates for photovoltaic (PV) products.
• The Change: Previously, Chinese manufacturers received a 9% tax refund on exported panels. Effective April 1, 2026, this rebate will be reduced to 0%.
• The Result: Manufacturers are now forced to pass this 9% cost directly to international buyers to maintain their margins, leading to an immediate baseline price hike for modules arriving in Q2 2026 and beyond.
2. Soaring Raw Material Costs
While technology continues to improve, the physical components of solar cells have become significantly more expensive:
• Silver Surge: Silver, a critical component for conducting electricity in high-efficiency panels (like TOPCon), has seen its price nearly double over the last 12 months. Silver now accounts for approximately 15–17% of total module costs.
• Polysilicon Recovery: After a period of oversupply, production cuts have caused polysilicon prices to rebound by over 35% from their 2025 lows.
• Glass and Aluminum: The costs of tempered solar glass and the aluminum used for frames remain elevated due to energy costs and global demand.
3. Strategic Production Cuts
To stabilize a market that was previously suffering from "price-war" conditions, major Chinese manufacturers have formed alliances to reduce production capacity. By idling more than half of their installed capacity, they are effectively tightening supply to prevent further price collapses.
