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PV price drop..?

Posted: 20 Jul 2009, 16:15
by contadino
I've just noticed a cut in prices on 2 of the 3 Italian sites I've been watching with a view to buying a couple of PV panels. It's the first time in the 6 or so years I've been monitoring prices, the odd special offer aside.

Anyone else seen any price drops? Anyone care to venture a theory? Should I buy them now or should I expect further drops?

Re: PV price drop..?

Posted: 20 Jul 2009, 19:02
by RGR
[quote="contadino"]

Posted: 22 Jul 2009, 20:09
by scott
pv modules prices have been dropping for years
but only on larger orders 100kw plus and higher
output was about 7.9Gw last year

as prices on components have fallen , scales of economy
and from competition from far eastern manufacturers

check supplier off good quality
TUV IEC61215 IEC61730 certificates with 5 years warranty
and 25 years power performance

good deals to be had on excess inventory stocks at present
on solar parks 1Mw and higher mono & poly
175wp to 280wp modules

have several containers , pallets , spilt packs excess to requiements
how many do you require and what Wp ratings

Posted: 23 Jul 2009, 05:47
by contadino
I want just a couple of 120w modules. The prices have only risen during the last 6 or so years, but now they're suddenly down about 15%. However, I think it's only an Italian thing.

Early in 2008, many of the regions mandated grid-tied PV installations on all new construction projects, domestic and commercial, and I read an article in a newspaper last week that prices of PV systems rose about 10% as a consequence. The article also said that the value of projects going through the planning process is down almost in some regions 80% since the laws were passed.

So I suspect it's just a case of over-supply that's bringing down the price of panels, rather than any grand shift in economic model.

Posted: 24 Jul 2009, 23:45
by RenewableCandy
There was talk, through 2006 and 2007, of a Silicon pinch which was to have finished by 2008-9 when more Si-processing plants would come on line, and more Mono PV plants with them, and of course thin-film was due to make its first significant appearence also. A combo of all that plus the recession, which is depressing all sorts of prices, and I think that would explain it!