[SMM PV Industry Chain Review] Polysilicon Prices Rose Slightly on Supply Shortage, While Downstream Balance Was Maintained

SHANGHAI, Jun 17 (SMM) –

Polysilicon: Polysilicon prices rose slightly this week with recharging and dense polysilicon prices both climbing 2.5 yuan/kg from last Friday to 269-273 yuan/kg and 267-270 yuan/kg respectively amid sustaining supply shortage. According to market response, polysilicon manufacturers have had their production in June sold out, with orders scheduled until mid-July. Supply-demand imbalance remains the leading factor pushing up polysilicon prices.

In addition, market players’ nerves have been further rattled by the fire accident happened to a plant in Xinjiang affiliated to East Hope Group although it did not have a large impact on the polysilicon supply. And there is possibility that more maintenance will be carried out across an extensive number of production lines, potentially sending polysilicon prices higher next week.

Silicon wafer: Wafer prices remained stable this week, with 182mm and 210mm monocrystalline wafer priced at 6.81-6.86 yuan per wafer and 9.05-9.15 yuan per wafer respectively, flat from a week ago amid market stalemate.

Currently speaking, some manufacturers were willing to hold the prices firm amid rising polysilicon prices that resulted in rising cost. But on the other hand, some manufacturers had high in-plant wafer stocks, making it hard for them to raise the prices substantially, coupled with expanding profits as wafer thickness narrow down.

Solar cell: Solar cell supply and demand were relatively balanced this week. 182mm and 210mm mono PERC solar cell prices stood at 1.20 yuan/watt and 1.16 yuan/watt respectively, flat from last week. Due to its harsh storage conditions, cell manufacturers reported that it is risky to raise the prices abruptly hence the prices have been stable. Looking ahead, PERC capacity is relatively tight with new generation of technologies yet to mature including TOPcon, hence solar cell supply of mainstream specification may tighten, pulling up the prices by then.

Module: The prices of modules of 182mm and 210mm mono PERC solar cell were 1.89-1.96 yuan/watt and 1.90-1.97 yuan/watt respectively with few changes from a week ago as the supply and demand have remained relatively balanced in the short term based on recent market tenders. But in the long run, the prices are likely to rise with booming demand after some domestic projects commence construction in July and August.