Top-tier Chinese solar PV makers seize larger market share on falling prices
Solarbuzz notes that while silicon prices have fallen the most, prices are falling along the value chain.
Solarbuzz notes that while silicon prices have fallen the most, prices are falling along the value chain.
NPD Solarbuzz Inc. (Santa Clara, California, U.S.) reports that fourteen top-tier Chinese solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers increased their market share to 50% of global sales in the third quarter of 2013, up from 40% at the start of 2011.
NPD Solarbuzz Senior Analyst Michael Barker says that while there are several factors behind this shift, cost reduction by these manufacturers is a primary factor in shipment growth. He also notes that a nearly 75% fall in polysilicon prices in the last 2 ½ years has contributed to price declines.
“Strong cost reduction roadmaps continue to be guided by Tier 1 firms,” states Michael Barker. “If achieved, these cost reductions would continue to improve production margins as global module ASPs are beginning to stabilize due to improving industry supply/demand balancing.”
Non-silicon costs also falling
NPD Solarbuzz states that non-silicon cost reduction has also been important, noting that costs throughout the c-Si value chain have declined from 30%-60%. The company also notes that flexible in-house/outsourcing is decreasing the requirement to have best-in-class manufacturing across the value chain, allowing top-tier companies to further reduce costs.
However, it warns that as global demand moves above 45 GW annually, there will be a larger need to fully utilize in-house production lines rather than rely on outsourcing. |
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