Weekly Solar Industry Insights: March 3rd – March 9th, 2025
US Solar Facilities Lost $5,720 Per MW Due to Equipment Issues in 2024
In 2024, US solar facilities lost an average of $5,720 per MW due to equipment failures and extreme weather, contributing to global losses of $10 billion, according to a report. The study analyzed 193 GW of solar projects, with key power losses from inverters (2.13%), strings (1.26%), and combiners (1.04%). Since 2020, power losses have increased from 1.84% to 5.77%, worsened by labor shortages and extreme weather, especially in vulnerable regions like ERCOT.
Solar Glass Prices Continue to Rise Amid Market Challenges in China's PV Industry
Solar glass prices in China have increased again this week, with 2.0 mm sheets rising 8% to CNY 13.5 ($1.85) per square meter and 3.2 mm sheets up 9.8% to CNY 22.5, according to the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNMIA).
U.S. EPA Unfreezes $7 Billion Solar for All Grant Program
The U.S. EPA has reinstated the $7 billion Solar for All program, part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund from the Inflation Reduction Act. Initially halted by EPA, the program will now resume distributing grants to 60 recipients, providing affordable solar energy access to millions of low-income and disadvantaged communities.
US Solar Generation Surges 27% in 2024, Now Accounting for 6.8% of National Electricity Output
Solar energy generation in the U.S. increased by 27% in 2024, contributing 6.8% of the country’s total electricity output, up from 5.5% in 2023. Utility-scale solar saw a 32% growth, while distributed solar grew by 15%, collectively surpassing 300 TWh of generation. This marks the largest annual growth in solar energy since 2016, despite a 3.1% rise in total electricity demand.
China Deploys Record 277.57 GW of Solar in 2024, Total Capacity Reaches 887 GW
China's solar capacity grew by 277.57 GW in 2024, reaching 887 GW total, per the China Photovoltaic Industry Association. Despite this growth, a slowdown is expected in 2025, with 215-255 GW projected. Profitability declined in 2024 due to price drops and overcapacity, though global demand is set to rise, particularly in emerging markets.
Polysilicon Market Holds Steady Amid Unresolved Trade Policies
The global polysilicon market holds steady with prices around $20.36/kg, despite transaction prices ranging from $18/kg to $21/kg. Unresolved U.S. trade policies, including Section 232 tariff investigations and potential expansions to AD/CVD measures, could impact the market. A recent 10% tariff hike on Chinese solar products brings total tariffs to 84%.
South America Set to Add 160 GW of Solar PV by 2034, Led by Brazil and Chile
A new report forecasts South America will add 160 GW of solar PV capacity by 2034, with Brazil and Chile leading at 78% of total installations. Despite grid challenges and rising transmission costs, small-scale projects under 5 MW will account for 48% of builds.
Renewables Account for 54.1% of Spain's Energy in February Amid Decline in Demand
In February 2025, renewables generated 54.1% of Spain's energy, with nuclear at 22.1%, hydroelectric 20.2%, wind 17.3%, and solar 14%. Combined cycle energy contributed 13.8%. National electricity demand dropped 3.4% year-on-year, with 76.3% of electricity produced without CO2 emissions. The Balearic Islands saw renewables rise to 12.7%, while in the Canary Islands, they accounted for 21% of total energy.
UNSW Develops Innovative PV Panel Recycling Method for High-Purity Material Recovery
Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, have developed a groundbreaking method to recycle end-of-life solar PV panels, recovering high-purity silicon, silver, and tin. Using thermal and chemical treatments, the process achieves over 70% recovery of silver and silicon with 99.7% purity. This sustainable micro-recycling approach transforms silicon into beta silicon carbide (β-SiC) for advanced uses like gas sensors.
