According to pvXchange, solar module prices were largely unchanged in July 2026, with improved availability across most product categories
High-efficiency back-contact modules remain in short supply as demand continues to exceed production capacity
Manufacturers are investing in next-generation technologies such as perovskite while balancing existing TOPCon production and market oversupply
Solar module prices remained largely stable in July 2026, marking the second time this year that prices across most technology categories did not increase compared to the previous month, according to online solar trading platform pvXchange.
Price movements since June 2026 for full-black and low-cost modules were stagnant at 0.0%, while high-efficiency and mainstream crystalline modules recorded declines of 3.3% and gains of 3.8%, respectively.
Since January 2026, high-efficiency solar modules with over 23% efficiency have seen a 26.1% price spike to €0.145/W, while the price of mainstream modules has increased by 28.6% to €0.135/W. Full-black variants across mainstream PV technologies also increased by 23.1% to €0.160/W. Low-cost modules, including stock lasts, factory seconds or low-output variants, cost €0.075/W, representing a 36.4% drop in prices.
The market also saw improved availability across most module power classes. The main exception, according to pvXchange, was high-efficiency back-contact (BC) modules (above 24%), for which demand continued to exceed supply, leading to shortages in higher power categories.
However, because BC modules still account for a relatively small share of the overall market, their pricing has had only a limited effect on the broader market, it notes. Interest in BC technology is nevertheless increasing, notes pvXchange, particularly in the residential rooftop segment, where its combination of high efficiency and all-black appearance attracts buyers.
Given this interest, many major Asian manufacturers are preparing to introduce BC products in Europe, following strong interest displayed at Intersolar Europe 2026 (see Intersolar Europe 2026: The Future Is Solar-Plus-Storage).
Despite growing momentum, wider adoption of this technology faces challenges, according to commentary from pvXchange. It lists minor patent disputes among mainly Chinese manufacturers and the cost of converting recently upgraded TOPCon production lines as factors that have slowed expansion.
Currently, only AIKO, LONGi, and TCL are producing BC modules on a large scale, while several other brands rely on them for contract manufacturing, it highlights.
Beyond TOPCon and BC modules, manufacturers are now also advancing perovskite solar technology, which is expected to enable module efficiencies above 30% through tandem cell designs. Large-scale production remains limited due to manufacturing complexity and concerns over the long-term durability of perovskite materials.
Nevertheless, initial commercial deployments for perovskite are already underway, including supplies from Oxford PV, with broader market availability expected by late 2027 or early 2028.
Looking ahead, pvXchange expects TOPCon module prices to remain stable or edge lower this year as manufacturers increase production to improve factory utilization amid slowing market growth. In contrast, limited supply and sustained demand are expected to keep back-contact module prices stable or slightly higher.
Martin Schachinger of pvXchange said, “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. By contrast, strong demand and limited supply for modules based on back-contact cells are expected to support stable or slightly higher prices.”
