[SMM PV News] Sweden Reaches 5.5 GW Solar Capacity as Growth Pace Moderates

[SMM Silicon-Based PV Morning Meeting Summary: Some Module Makers Looking to Hold Prices Firm, Silicon Metal in the Doldrums] Over the weekend, N-type recharging polysilicon was quoted at 34-36.5 yuan/kg. Weekend market prices remained temporarily stable. The market is currently approaching its lows, providing some price support, but the surplus remains significant, and downstream buyers still have a mindset to push for lower prices.

Sweden added 21,600 grid-connected solar plants last year, bringing its total installations to approximately 314,600 and cumulative capacity to 5.5 GW—enough to power 13.4% of Swedish households. While total capacity grew, the 15% increase marks a significant slowdown compared to the near 70% growth seen between 2022 and 2023. The Swedish Energy Agency attributed this moderation to the economic climate and revised financial support for small-scale producers. Moving forward, growth is expected to shift toward larger utility-scale plants. Despite the current dip, industry body Svensk Solenergi suggests last year's 652 MW addition likely represents the bottom of the curve, with solar remaining a vital component of Sweden’s fossil-free energy goals.

Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has approved 12 solar projects (915.1 MW) and two wind projects (400 MW) through its Long-Term 2 (LT2) Energy Window 1 procurement. This marks the province's first major competitive procurement for new wind and solar resources in over a decade. Combined, the 14 projects represent over 1.3 GW of capacity and are expected to add 3 TWh of annual generation to the grid—enough to power 350,000 homes. Notably, each project includes at least 50% Indigenous equity ownership. The facilities are slated for commercial operation by May 2030 under 20-year agreements. The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) hailed the results as a clear signal that Canada is on track to grow its solar capacity from 5.4 GW to 21 GW by the mid-2030s.