The costs of most Chinese module types increased only slightly in March 2013 despite market uncertainties caused by an investigation into Chinese modules by the European Commission, according to online marketplace PvXchange.
The company said that while prices were adjusted upwards for the first few days following the EC's call for registration of Chinese solar products imported into Europe, module prices have generally fallen back to previous levels or at least stabilised. Increases average only €0.01 to €0.02 compared to the previous month. Long-term supply agreements were not included in this data.
Martin Schachinger of pvXchange told SolarServer: “Why could the industry very quickly recover from the initial shock? Simple: necessity is the mother of invention,”
“In addition, due to the frequent ups and downs in recent years, the PV industry is somewhat jaded. It quickly finds loopholes and flexible solutions for every situation.”
Solar Power Portal revealed last month that the commission’s anti-dumping investigation and subsequent module registration resulted in distributors, project developers and installers to alter purchasing decisions because of fears they would be liable for retroactive duties.