Silicon Wafer Prices Rebound: Implications for Solar

Hands in rubber gloves holding two silicon wafers used in solar panels to identify the silicon wafer prices are rebounding after a long downward trajectory due to a recent oversupply

Recent developments in the solar industry indicate that silicon wafer prices, a key component influencing the cost of solar panels, have rebounded slightly after a period of fluctuation. While this brings a degree of stability to the market, industry experts suggest that module prices may see an increase in the near future. This evolving landscape has implications for both the solar industry and Mckercher Corporation.

Understanding the Current Market Dynamics

The rebound of silicon wafer prices provides a welcome respite for Manufacturers from the industry’s recent volatility, which, if continued, would compromise many system warranties. It offers a window of predictability, enabling solar panel manufacturers and installers like Mckercher Corporation subsidiaries to plan and budget confidently. However, projections of future module price increases serve as a reminder that the market remains dynamic.

Man holding two silicon rocks used in solar module manufacturing to identify the core component affecting silicon wafer prices internationally.

Implications for Consumers

The current situation presents both challenges and opportunities:

  1. Potential Price Increases: The possibility of module price increases underscores the importance of timely action for consumers considering solar energy. Exploring solar installations sooner rather than later may be advantageous to secure the current below-cost-of-manufacture pricing commonly offered by most distribution channels now that the recent global oversupply has subsided.
  2. McKercher Corporation’s Proactive Approach: McKercher Corporation closely monitors market trends and is committed to transparent communication with our clients. We are well-prepared to navigate the dynamic landscape and continue to offer competitive pricing and high-quality solar solutions even during volatile market conditions.
  3. Continued Industry Growth: Despite continuous price adjustments, the Australian solar industry will maintain its growth trajectory as the country commits to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The long-term benefits of solar energy, including immediate cost savings, long-term energy security, and environmental sustainability, remain compelling. McKercher Corporation is poised to support this growth and help individuals and businesses embrace dependable solar power.

The recent rebound of silicon wafer prices and the prospect of future module price increases present a unique high-value market environment. Mckercher Corporation remains dedicated to guiding our clients through these movements. We are committed to providing expert advice, exceptional service, and turnkey sustainable energy solutions that stand the test of time. Explore your solar options and secure your path to a brighter energy future with McKercher Corporation brands Perth Solar Warehouse and PSW Energy.

References

Sigenergy Partners with Perth Solar Warehouse

Sigenergy SigenStor top left corner with LED light ray.

May 2024: Perth Solar Warehouse announces retailer partnership with energy innovator Sigenergy. Presenting its innovative software-first product foundation, Sigenergy’s initial release to the Australian market is a new generation of energy storage and control, SigenStor. Identified as the dawn of the digital battery era, Sigenstor encompasses a simplified all-in-one solar and storage solution, gaining rapid adoption in Europe and Asia. Fortuitously, this digital era defining product suite is now available for Australia.

Already making waves throughout Europe with an operating system (OS) focused, software-first design and shifting preconceived norms where inverter and battery manufacturers are primarily hardware manufacturers who evolve into software development secondary. It is an afterthought that could prove limited with any company seeking mainstream market appeal beyond 2030 as modern user experience compliments improved “smarter” energy utilisation. 

Founder Tony Xu [ex-Huawei FusionSolar and Ascend AI President] discovered the limitations of hardware-first designs imposed in the new generation of energy management through his previous high-profile business and technical roles. Sigenergy is a testament to where the next chapter of sustainable energy technology begins.

5 in One Sigenergy-SIGENSTOR render

Sigenenergy Sigenstor five-in-one energy solution: Solar Inverter, DC EV charger, Battery Control System, Battery Pack, and Electronic Management System.

Sigenergy brings together much more than improved harmonisation between integral components. Certain hardware elements now answer the pivotal questions most seek in a sustainable energy solution. Despite its well-covered, five-in-one product nature, SigenStor’s versatility exceeds any current market offering. 

Battery modules are flexible. With Sigenstor, there is no need to match a 5 kWh battery configuration throughout the modularity. If one’s ideal storage requirement is 13 kWh, combine a 5 kWh and 8 kWh Sigen Battery Module configuration. Matching SoC (State of Charge) when expanding later is now a thing of the past. Shift the focus, and the EV DC Charger is the mainstream market first, yet much more. The V2X bidirectional charging features convert a compatible vehicle and power supply into increased energy density for a given property. Nothing like this exists in Australia to date, nor is anything announced on the horizon. Sigenergy has entered the market with a resounding impact.

It is a unique solution that is certain to appeal to many through its adaptability and almost unlimited design possibilities. Perth Solar Warehouse is committed to delivering one of the first all-encompassing SigenStor demonstration systems for customers to interact with before purchasing. Related: Sigenergy Defines a New Digital Battery Era ›

Discover Sigenergy in Person

Look, touch, interact. Customers can view Sigenergy’s Sigenstor on display from Monday, July 1st, 2024, at the PSW Energy, Perth Solar Warehouse display centre, 3/90 Discovery Drive, Bibra Lake, WA. To ensure the time and direct attention many customers prefer, all that is requested is to book an appointment due to a limited number of sales support staff at a nominated time. 

PSW Energy & Perth Solar Warehouse

Image: PSW Energy, Perth Solar Warehouse display centre. 3/90 Discovery Drive, Bibra Lake, WA.

“We plan to offer one of the first all-encompassing Sigenergy solar, battery, DC EV Charger and Sigen operating systems for potential owners to interact with, available by the 5th of August 2024, due to three-phase controller and DC EV charger certifications pending with the CEC” mentions Derek McKercher [Director]. Customers can order the single-phase Sigenstor variants from Perth Solar Warehouse for installation (without the DC EV charger) from July 2024 for installation within the Perth and Bunbury regions of Western Australia.

With McKercher Corporation subsidiary Perth Solar Warehouse announcing the adoption of Sigenergy’s SigenStor system among its leading energy storage options, including Tesla, Sungrow, and Goodwe, PSW Energy has now followed suit [May 12, 2024] for broader region customers to consider. 

Perth Solar Warehouse provides turnkey (installed) solar, battery and EV charging solutions to the greater Perth region of Western Australia. PSW Energy offers Perth Solar Warehouse’s leading products for more to enjoy with a user-friendly and native online shopping experience, reducing barriers and expenses associated with a premium service. PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse are McKercher Corporation businesses with a local dealer and service guarantee supported by 20 years of business history.

Perth Solar Warehouse: Sigenergy’s SigenStor is a game-changer for Australia ›

Aiko solar panels to add fierce competition in Australia

Q2, 2024, Aiko Solar will arrive in Australia, adding fierce competition in the ultra-high efficiency stakes. Primarily a world-leading manufacturer in cell shipments (Rank: 2nd, 2023, source: InfoLink), the technology and value incorporated within Aiko solar panels initial release, the Neostar 2S, will surely appeal to many purchasers and vendors in the mid-range premium system sector.

Aiko and key Australian distributors have finalised distribution agreements with four high-profile strategic partners: Solar Juice, Sol Distribution, AC Solar Warehouse, and Tradezone. Mckercher Corporation subsidiaries PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse have committed to becoming one of Australia’s installers for Aiko Solar panels as part of a turnkey solution.

Left to right: Grant Behrendorff – AC Solar Warehouse, Elio Cordaro – Sol Distribution,  Alex Hang – Aiko, Rami Fedda – Solar Juice,  Tradezone.

Before the distribution signing, Aiko Australia’s Key Account Manager, Ross Crawford, delivered an in-depth product overview at the product launch. However, he singled out McKercher Corporation Director Derek McKercher to share the moment unveiling the Aiko solar panel range. “About six weeks ago, when I updated my LinkedIn profile to show I was now working for Aiko, I very quickly received an excited phone call from a good friend and solar business owner, Derek McKercher, from Perth Solar Warehouse. Derek was over the moon that I had joined Aiko, and he began to talk to me about how he had been watching Aiko for some time now. It was great to see the Aiko technology reach Australian shores. In the weeks since, Derek has been putting together some great content anticipating Aiko launching in Australia. I want to invite Derek to unveil our product offering…”

Derek McKercher unveiling the Aiko Neostar ABC n-type residential solar panel at the Aiko launch event, Cockle Bay, Sydney during Ross Crawford's key note presentation.

Image: Ross Crawford (left) Derek McKercher (right) unveiling the new Aiko Neostar ABC N-Type solar panel range for the Australian market.

Customers can rest assured that we’re committed to delivering the most advanced solar and sustainable energy technology. As an Intersolar and Reddot design awardee for 2023, Aiko Solar has subjected its design to innovative scrutiny and prevailed among its peers from two of the most decorated awards on the global circuit.

Among an elite calibre, REC Alpha Pure previously acquired the 2022 Instersolar award for innovation based on its lead-free HJT (heterojunction technology). In 2021, LONGi Solar added Galium dopping to its wafers, mitigating the effects of performance degradation usually associated with conventional P-Type solar panels in the Hi-MO 5. With high recognition for module innovation and design, Aiko Solar looks set to be a revered name on the Australian landscape.

Unlike alternative leading module efficiency innovators, pricing guidance is a likely 20% premium over alternative mainstream market options–a less conventional premium for an efficiency title holder that is almost sure to attract instant local market traction.

Aiko Solar panels are now available for pre-order at PSW Energy as part of a turnkey solar package.

Product review: The Aiko Solar panels set to revolutionise the Australian market ›

Note: originally posted on February 19, 2024, this post has been updated to incorporate the Aiko launch event at Cockle Bay Wharf in Sydney on March 5, 2024.

Huawei FusionSolar to Vacate the Australian Solar Market

Huawei-FusionSolar

From 2024, all second-generation Huawei solar technologies entering the Australian market will become iStore. The move comes as political reaction leaves a sour taste for the telecommunications giant whose solar inverter business is less than 1% of the company revenue globally, deeming the Australian market more of a complication towards achieving long-term goals.

Headquartered in Chatswood, NSW (North of Sydney), Huawei will remain in Australia at a reduced capacity, providing support for existing technologies in the field and the upcoming iStore solar suite of Huawei Gen2 solar hardware in an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) capacity. It’s widely known that Solargain PV, is a significant investor in the iStore product range, which should provide a level of Australian-owned consumer confidence in the technology.

Testing has commenced, and what is confirmed is that iStore-labelled storage units can operate with previous-generation Huawei-labelled inverters. However, Huawei FusionSolar historical data will not come over to the new iStore ‘Universe’ platform, which is required to accept the iStore battery onto the existing Huawei inverter. A scenario that could change with future developments. This comes as great news for existing Huawei inverter owners with a supported second-generation battery available for uptake.

McKercher Corporation subsidiaries, PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse have an enduring history with Huawei solar products thanks to a stable reputation since the breakthrough launch in 2018. A decision to vacate the Australian market entirely would further distance Australia from global technology advancements and innovation. The iStore brand has arrested such a scenario and ensures Australians can still benefit from an outstanding sustainable energy product suite. We wish iStore and the ‘Universe’ platform all the best in a new chapter, continuing the outstanding reputation Huawei has introduced with its energy technology. PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse will continue prioritising the most beneficial products for their customers.

This post has been amended from its original format. The previous post stated that the iStore battery and Huawei inverter would not be cross-compatible.

Perth Solar Warehouse Provides Sustainable Energy Infrastructure to an Astute Local Demographic

Solar Panels Perth WA by Perth Solar Warehouse

DONE BETTER AND DIFFERENTLY

McKercher Corporation Pty Ltd has officially launched a new implementation department for the Perth solar sector. The launch comes after an extensive 24-month research and development period. The advanced installation service department is to commence exclusively with principal brand Perth Solar Warehouse (formerly Power Made Easy).

Facilitating an elite installation component for solar power systems in Australia is a process of refinement. A formula of unique installation methods assisted with advanced technology allows the service department to remain cost competitive to the industry average. Employing a rigged process adaptable to diverse and unique projects enables our exclusive service department to offer industry leading warranties on all fronts. A must when implementing advanced technologies

A PRODUCT IS ONLY EVER AS GOOD AS ITS MAKER

The real beauty is the simplicity behind the new Perth Solar Warehouse exclusive installation department. An evolution of what is expected by trade services. Solar power in its designed form is a sustainable energy technology. However, a product is only ever as good as it’s maker, no matter what materials one utilises. With this new structure, Mckercher Corporation can ensure solar photovoltaic power is a lasting, experience for anyone.

An exciting development within McKercher Corporation and one of which will enable future projects to evolve efficiently through solid implementation foundations. As McKercher Corporation expands to a new level, key businesses withing the McKercher corporation group are intended to grow alongside the developments to ensure diversity through the company.