China Solar Wafer Prices Remain Stable Amid Cost Support

Wafer Prices Hold Steady

China’s N-type monocrystalline wafer prices remained unchanged week-on-week, according to the Silicon Industry Branch on October 15.

G10L (182 × 183.75 mm): RMB 1.01 per wafer

G12R (182 × 210 mm): RMB 1.03 per wafer

G12 (210 × 210 mm): RMB 1.15 per wafer

Weak Buying Interest Limits Price Movements

Downstream manufacturers continue to maintain relatively comfortable inventories, focusing on small-volume purchases based on immediate needs and negotiating for lower prices. Meanwhile, polysilicon producers are holding prices above full production costs, providing cost support for wafer manufacturers and limiting their willingness to cut prices.

Wafer industry operating rates remained broadly stable compared with before the holiday. Leading manufacturers reported operating rates of 52% and 54%, while integrated producers operated at 56%–60%.

Market Outlook

Wafer prices are expected to remain relatively stable in the near term, supported by firm polysilicon prices and the release of demand from large-scale solar projects.

In the solar cell segment, many manufacturers have reduced planned October output. Lower supply, combined with firm wafer prices, could help stabilize cell prices in the coming weeks.