Weekly Solar Industry Insights: June 9th – June 15th , 2025

U.S. Solar Manufacturing Sees Q1 Surge Amid Policy Risks

In Q1 2025, U.S. solar manufacturing added 8.6 GW of module capacity and doubled cell output to 2 GW, driven by new factories. However, policy uncertainty around tariffs and incentives poses risks to continued growth.

Solar Wafer Prices Drop Nearly 23% Since April Peak

Solar wafer prices have plummeted by 22.78% since early April, with n-type M10 wafers now at $0.122 per piece, due to weak demand and inventory pressure. Lower-tier manufacturers face losses despite using cheaper materials, while overall industry utilization remains low, prompting cost-cutting and outsourcing strategies.

Residential Solar Set to Grow 9% Annually Through 2030

The U.S. residential solar market is projected to grow at a rate of 9% annually through 2030, driven by low market penetration and declining costs, despite current economic and policy challenges.

Vermont Accelerates Home Solar Approvals

Vermont, a state in the New England region, has passed a new law to expedite and reduce costs for residential solar systems up to 25 kW. This move decreases approval times from four months to just 30 days and eliminates up to $5,000 in permitting fees, making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to adopt solar energy.

Global solar tracker shipments rise 20%, while U.S. market share declines.

Global solar tracker shipments grew by 20% in 2024, reaching 111 GW, driven by surging demand in India and Saudi Arabia. Nextracker led globally with 26% market share, while the U.S. market saw a 9% decline, losing ground after eight years of growth.

China Shifts to Market-Based Solar Pricing

China has replaced its feed-in tariff policy with a market-based pricing system for solar and storage projects starting June 1, 2025. This shift triggered a surge in installations, with 59.7 GW added in Q1 and projections of 310 GW for the year. While module prices rose slightly, the policy change is expected to slow growth in 2026 and push manufacturers to explore overseas markets.

UK Mandates Solar Panels for New Homes by 2027

Under the new Future Homes Standard, the UK government will require nearly all new homes in England to have rooftop solar panels by 2027, aiming to cut emissions and save homeowners up to £530 annually on energy bills.

China Polysilicon Prices Drop Nearly 12%

China's Mono Premium polysilicon prices have fallen by 11.76% since early April due to weak demand and oversupply. With high inventories and limited export options, the market is under pressure, and prices are expected to decline further in the coming months.

Global Solar Tracker Shipments Surge to 111 GW in 2024

Global solar tracker shipments reached a record 111 GW in 2024, up 20% from the previous year, driven by strong demand in India and Saudi Arabia. Nextracker led the market with a 26% share, while Chinese firm Arctech secured second place. Despite global growth, U.S. shipments fell 9%, marking the first decline in eight years.

Information Source: PV Magazine