For the second time this year, prices for solar panels in the various technology classes have not increased across the board compared to the previous month. Price movements for all-black and low-cost modules were negligible, while changes in other segments were also marginal. Availability in most asset classes has again improved significantly. The only exception is back-contact modules with returns above 24%, where demand continues to exceed supply, resulting in shortages in the higher asset classes. However, because this technology still represents only a small part of the overall market, price developments in this segment have little impact on the overall index.
The niche status of back contact cells and modules is unlikely to continue for much longer. Almost all major Asian manufacturers are developing the technology and preparing to launch corresponding products on the European market in the coming months. This trend was clearly visible at this year’s Intersolar fair in Munich in June, where almost every leading manufacturer presented a mass production module based on back-contact cells. Interest in these products is particularly high in the residential roof segment, because they combine high efficiency with an almost completely black appearance.
However, minor patent disputes still exist over the manufacturing processes of back contact modules between manufacturers, most of which are located in China. In addition, many companies are reluctant to convert production lines that have only recently been optimized for TOPCon technology, as such changes would require significant adjustments and additional investments. As a result, only three Chinese manufacturers – AIKO, Longi and TCL, which remain relatively unknown in Europe – currently produce back contact modules on a large scale. Other brands rely on these companies to varying degrees for OEM production. TCL seems to be the only manufacturer actively trying to license its patents to other companies instead of focusing solely on white-label production.
Against this background, many manufacturers are already looking at the next phase of solar cell and module development: perovskite technology. The material offers potential for both transparent modules in building-integrated applications and high-efficiency tandem modules combining perovskite layers with crystalline silicon cells for rooftop and utility-scale installations. The underlying physics suggests efficiency levels in excess of 30%. However, production remains a challenge and the long-term stability of perovskite layers has yet to be fully demonstrated. Under certain climatic conditions, still poorly understood effects can accelerate degradation, complicating the transition to mass production.
Nevertheless, perovskite technologies were prominently showcased at Intersolar and The smarter E, providing a glimpse of future developments in the solar industry. The first pilot customers are already receiving products from the Brandenburg-based company Oxford PV. The tandem modules, which currently achieve an efficiency of just over 25% and will achieve an efficiency of 27% next year, are extensively tested and monitored in practice. Across Europe, numerous research institutes and private companies are also working to advance the technology and prepare it for commercial application. The first mass market products incorporating perovskite technology are expected to become available in late 2027 or early 2028 at the latest.
Despite rapid progress, significant challenges remain. While the pace of innovation in solar cell variants and module sizes has increased significantly in recent years, manufacturers still need to recoup their investments in existing production facilities while securing capital for next-generation technologies. This balancing act is becoming increasingly difficult.
Growing demand for higher performance modules – made possible by recent technological advances – is forcing manufacturers to maximize the utilization of their production capabilities, including their continuously upgraded TOPCon lines. At the same time, production cuts previously introduced to support prices have proven costly as idle capacity generates financing costs without corresponding revenues. Such measures are therefore unlikely to remain sustainable in the long term.
As a result, existing production lines need to be ramped up and operated at high capacity utilization, especially under strong pressure to increase production. In a market that is stagnant or growing only marginally, this contributes to overproduction and falling prices.
Further price increases are therefore unlikely this year, at least for TOPCon modules. Prices for these products have already stabilized and are showing a slight downward trend. In contrast, strong demand and limited supply for back-contact cell-based modules are expected to support stable or slightly higher prices.
The price difference between modules used in small-scale residential roof systems and modules used in commercial roof and ground installations is therefore likely to widen again.
Overview of module price levels per technology for July 2026, including monthly changes (as of July 15, 2026):
About the author: Martin Schachinger studied electrical engineering and has been active in the field of photovoltaics and renewable energy for almost 30 years. In 2004, he founded the online trading platform pvXchange.com. The company has standard components in stock for new installations and solar panels and inverters that are no longer produced.
