Solar module prices continued to rise in May, but the German market saw a softening in demand, according to Martin Schachinger of pvXchange
High-efficiency modules are in especially high demand, including for the rooftop solar segment, pushing up prices
Schachinger argues for universal security standards instead of blanket restrictions on Chinese equipment, fearing cybersecurity concerns
Solar module prices continued to rise in May 2026 across categories, particularly for high-performance products, amid limited supply and strong demand for higher-efficiency rooftop modules, according to the latest market commentary by Martin Schachinger of online solar trading platform pvXchange.
Schachinger said prices for high-efficiency modules have exceeded levels he had forecast earlier this year, as customers want module output of nearly 500 W even for rooftop solar systems.
As of May 15, 2026, high-efficiency modules with over 23% efficiency saw their prices rise by 7.1% since April and 30.4% since January this year to €0.150/W, while those for full black variants saw increases of 3.1% and 26.9%, respectively, to €0.165/W over the same period.
Mainstream solar modules with up to 23% efficiency cost €0.130/W, representing increases of 4% and 23.8% since April and January 2026, respectively. While there was no change in the price of low-cost modules since April 2026 (€0.070/W), the price has risen by 27.3% since January.
In Germany, however, demand has started to soften, reportedly around 12% lower than the same period last year. According to pvXchange, “Germany has long ceased to be a decisive factor in the international price development of solar technology.”
Schachinger stressed that future price trends will depend largely on global conflicts and energy costs, since these factors significantly affect production and transport costs.
Another factor that could change the market is Europe limiting subsidies for projects using certain Chinese solar products, such as inverters. While this could lower prices globally, it may also increase hardware costs in Europe because affordable alternatives are limited.
On growing European concerns around cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection in the renewable energy sector, Schachinger noted that discussions are intensifying about limiting Chinese-made solar hardware in EU-supported projects, especially inverters, due to concerns over grid security and cyber risks (see Europe’s Dangerous Dependence On Chinese Clean Technology).
Schachinger shares the market sentiment when he questions the decision to exclude Chinese hardware from EU projects as a ‘sensible step’ or a ‘panic reaction that has gone way too far’.
He said the debate has gained urgency as Europe’s electricity systems become increasingly decentralized and digitally connected. The EU’s NIS II cybersecurity directive is expected to expand compliance obligations to more than 30,000 companies in Germany, including many in the energy sector.
However, Schachinger questioned whether excluding non-European hardware is the right approach. He argued that broad restrictions could increase hardware costs in Europe because of limited affordable alternatives, while also risking trade tensions with China.
“Such extreme measures are a hasty decision, as there seems to be a reluctance to grapple with the full complexity of the issue – a decision that will backfire. Even European inverters could contain components capable of transmitting malicious data. Furthermore, German energy management software is not necessarily better protected against hacking than Chinese software,” adds Schachinger.
According to pvXchange, the focus should instead be on creating universal cybersecurity standards, certification requirements, and stronger software protections that apply equally to all suppliers, regardless of origin. Existing standards could also be expanded across the industry without imposing region-based exclusions.