The 2 kV transition
Amid record-low prices for solar modules, the focus of cost reduction for utility-scale solar projects is shifting to non-module balance-of-system (BoS) expenses. A transition from 1.5 kV voltage to 2 kV in solar projects is expected to gain traction through 2030.
Oversupply could sink plans for EU solar
The plunge in solar panel prices caused by a global glut of PV products is threatening the European Union’s efforts to re-establish its own solar and energy storage manufacturing base.
What’s in store for storage?
InfoLink’s global lithium ion battery supply chain database indicates that the energy storage market experienced a severe surplus and a growing price war in 2023. Despite these forces, market momentum is supporting relatively rapid expansion.
It’s time to form, not follow
As rising renewables penetration and electrification place ever more strain on the world’s grids, the use of grid-forming inverters, rather than grid-following models, will play a vital role in network stability.
High inventory, low prices, stiff competition
Global solar demand will continue to grow in 2024 with module demand likely to reach 492 GW to 538 GW. InfoLink predicts that demand growth will begin to slow. Amy Fang, a senior analyst at InfoLink, takes a look at module demand and supply chain inventories in a market still affected by oversupply.
Balancing module oversupply and local solar in Türkiye
Turkish module manufacturing capacity has grown rapidly over the past few years thanks to government incentivization for solar. However, the speed at which this surge has occurred means that manufacturers are now grappling with oversupply, as Vikey Zhao, analyst at InfoLink Consulting, explains.
A tough environment breeds better modules
Solar manufacturers were largely focused on market dynamics at the 2024 SNEC solar trade fair in Shanghai, from June 13 to 15, 2024. InfoLink’s Vikey Zhao takes a closer look at the key factors that are now shaping future PV demand.
Diagnosis: Unstable
The PV market is in flux. The summer 2024 slump is subsiding but reports of bankruptcies and insolvency are coming in. While installation figures have been promising, not least in Germany, the market is in trouble and manufacturers are concerned by low prices.
Low prices shaping polysilicon’s future
Polysilicon was in short supply in 2021 and 2022. High prices and fat profits drove investment into huge new production capacities, including from new market entrants. The resulting surpluses have driven down prices, according to InfoLink analyst Dora Zhao.
Growth flatlines in the face of uncertainty
Solar demand growth has been pulled back by policy changes and uncertainty but capacity additions in 2025 should still eclipse 2024. InfoLink’s Jonathan Chou examines the leading regions for solar installations.
