TCL Zhonghuan completed the acquisition of the Chinese module maker Das Solar on July 2. According to previously disclosed information, the deal gives TCL Zhonghuan access to 20 GW of advanced n-type TOPCon cell capacity, mainly TOPCon 3.0, and 50 GW of module capacity. TCL Zhonghuan also announced a technology upgrade plan, investing CNY 1.4 billion ($206 million) to convert the entire 20 GW of cell capacity to back-contact (BC) production lines and CNY 1.2 billion ($176 million) to upgrade 25 GW of module capacity to BC module assembly lines. Once completed, the upgrades will provide TCL Zhonghuan with 20 GW of BC cell capacity and 25 GW of BC module production capacity.
The Silicon Industry Department of the China Non-ferrous Metals Industry Association (CNMIA) said on July 1 that polysilicon prices fell for the fifth week in a row. N-type rechargeable polysilicon traded at CNY31,000-CNY34,000/ton ($4,559-$5,000/ton), with an average price of CNY32,800/ton ($4,824/ton), down 1.2% week on week. N-type granular silicon traded at CNY32,000-CNY33,000/ton ($4,706-$4,853/ton), averaging CNY32,300/ton ($4,750/ton), down 0.62%. The association said the polysilicon market remains at a trough, with high inventories, increasing supply and weak demand continuing to depress prices. On July 2, the association reported further declines in waffle prices. N-type G10L wafers averaged CNY0.88/piece ($0.13/piece), down 2.22% week on week; n-type G12R wafers averaged CNY 0.97/piece ($0.14/piece), down 2.02%; and n-type G12 wafers had an average value of CNY 1.16/piece ($0.17/piece), down 0.85%. The association said weak downstream tenders, combined with slightly higher business rates at some wafer makers, led to a modest increase in supply and further downward pressure on prices.
