Solar module prices have stabilized for the second time this year, with negligible fluctuations across most technology classes. While availability has significantly improved for standard power categories, back-contact modules exceeding 24% efficiency remain in short supply due to high demand. Although these high-efficiency units currently represent a small market share, major manufacturers are rapidly scaling production. Meanwhile, the industry is shifting its focus toward perovskite technology, which promises efficiency levels above 30%. Despite ongoing challenges regarding long-term stability and manufacturing, pilot projects are underway, with mass-market commercial deployment of perovskite-based products anticipated by late 2027 or early 2028.
The current market landscape reflects a difficult balancing act for manufacturers. Companies are under pressure to maximize the utilization of existing production lines, particularly those recently upgraded for TOPCon technology, to recover investments. However, the industry faces a trend of overproduction as firms move away from costly, idle capacity. This shift is contributing to a downward trend in prices for TOPCon modules. Conversely, the limited supply and strong interest in residential back-contact modules suggest that prices for these premium products will remain stable or potentially rise, widening the cost gap between residential and utility-scale installations.
Technological innovation continues to accelerate, with back-contact cells moving from a niche status to a broader market presence. While patent disputes and the high cost of retooling production lines persist, major players like AIKO, Longi, and TCL are leading the charge. Looking further ahead, the industry is heavily invested in the development of perovskite tandem modules. By combining perovskite layers with crystalline silicon cells, researchers aim to break current efficiency ceilings. While Brandenburg-based Oxford PV is already conducting field tests with its tandem modules, the sector must still overcome significant hurdles related to material degradation before widespread adoption occurs.