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Price Summary
This
is one of those rare monthly results where the direction
of the European index is different to the US. This can sometimes
happen for individual months, but rarely does for any sustained
period of time. It is, though, somewhat consistent with
the prior month's outcome.
For
most solar module suppliers there is a hierarchy of supply
priorities into which markets to place product. This hierarchy
is usually based on where the highest returns are to be
earned. However, this is also a need to maintain a balance
of exposure to regions that offer material volumes or high
growth or preferably both.
Two
sets of industry analysis by Solarbuzz have confirmed the
strength of world markets at the moment. So it is no surprise
to see a rise in the European index again this month. At
the same time, the US market is growing rapidly too. However,
it is also highly competitive particularly as a function
of new low cost entrants from Asia and each regional market
segment has its own performance characteristics.
The
first analysis, now being undertaken once every three months,
is brought together in the Solarbuzz
QUARTERLY report. This data driven report analyzes quarterly
regional supply/demand and price data.
The
most recent June edition anchors on First Quarter 2010 and
looks forward through the remaining quarters of 2010. This
research helped identify the strength of the market and
production build in 2010.
The
second analysis is to be found in the annual Downstream
PV Market reports, issued each year at the end of June.
This in an intensive review, and we do mean intensive, of
the status of the key global markets, broken down into three
regions, Europe, Asia/Pacific and United States.
When
assessing the performance of each, the key inputs in the
end market are a review of the policy environment, identification
of the economic returns for PV investments and also a detailed
review of the pipelines of identified projects.
Once
this detailed analysis was completed, it became transparent
quite how strong the global demand environment actually
was. As a result, Solarbuzz has raised its scenario global
PV demand forecasts for 2010.
In
summary, it is a return to the part of the industry cycle
where supply capabilities will become as large a driver
of the outcome as demand. Nonetheless, the bottom line is
that we have confirmed customers around the world are saying
once again in 2010; "We want solar!"
Lowest
Prices ($/Wp)
As
of July 2010, there are now 518 solar module prices below
$4.00 per watt (€3.20 per watt) or
36.4% of the total survey. This compares with 488 price
points below $4.00 per watt (€3.20 per watt) in June.
The
lowest retail price for a multicrystalline silicon solar
module is $1.74 per watt (€1.39 per watt) from a US retailer.
The lowest retail price for a monocrystalline silicon module
is also $1.94 per watt (€1.55 per watt), from a German retailer.
Note,
however, that "not all models are equal." In other
words, brand, technical attributes and certifications do
matter.
The
lowest thin film module price is at $1.07 per watt (€0.86
per watt) from a United States-based retailer. As a general
rule, it is typical to expect thin film modules to be at
a price discount to crystalline silicon (for like module
powers). This thin film price is represented by a 55 watt
module.
Note, once again, that these prices are based upon the purchase
of a single solar module and prices are exclusive of sales
taxes. Information on volume discounts, factory gate and
PV system pricing is available as part of our consultancy
services.
Price Index Context
The module cost represents around 50 - 60% of the total
installed cost of a Solar Energy System. Therefore the solar
module price
is the key element in the total price of an installed solar
system. All prices are exclusive of sales taxes,
which depending on the country or region can add 8-20% to
the prices, with generally highest sales tax rates in Europe.
LEGAL
DISCLAIMER:
SOLARBUZZ DOES NOT AND CANNOT REPRESENT OR WARRANT THAT
THE DATA IN THIS RETAIL PRICE SURVEY ARE ACCURATE OR
COMPLETE. SOLARBUZZ DISCLAIMS ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE
DATA. THE DATA ON THIS WEB PAGE ARE PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL
PURPOSES ONLY.
YOU RELY ON THE ANALYSIS AT YOUR OWN RISK. SOLARBUZZ
SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANY
DECISIONS RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE DATA INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSSES OR DAMAGES RESULTED THEREFROM.
NOTHING IN THE DATA SHALL BE CONSIDERED AS AN ENDORSEMENT,
PROMOTION OR ADVERTISING OF ANY COMPANY.
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