The global solar PV market is beginning to feel the effects of recent regulatory developments in China, with rising upstream material costs already translating into increased module prices.
In July 2025, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), together with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), announced a shift in industrial policy aimed at curbing unprofitable price competition in the solar sector. This included a directive discouraging the sale of polysilicon below production cost and the introduction of stricter efficiency and environmental standards for PV manufacturing facilities (Reuters, 2025; PV Magazine, 2025).
As a result, polysilicon prices rose by approximately 7% in early July, the fastest increase since August 2023, reaching RMB 37,100/ton (PV-Tech, 2025). This has had a direct impact on module pricing, with average TOPCon module prices in China climbing to RMB 0.73/W in response to upstream cost pressures (TrendForce, 2025).
These developments signal potential short-term volatility in procurement costs and emphasize the need for project developers and industrial buyers to adopt proactive strategies for price hedging and contract structuring.
At Orbit Sustainability, we are closely monitoring the situation to support our clients in navigating these transitional phases in the global solar supply chain. For those planning utility-scale or commercial PV installations, early engagement and strategic sourcing will be key to maintaining bankability and project viability.
References:
Reuters (2025), China solar stocks surge as Beijing moves to calm price wars.
PV Magazine (2025), China polysilicon price increases amid regulatory signals.
PV-Tech (2025), PV Price Watch: China’s polysilicon and wafers see price hikes across the board.
TrendForce (2025), Solar Module Price Trends Q3 2025.