China’s Annual PV Production Goes Up In 2M/2023

• MIIT says China produced around 176,000 tons polysilicon during 2M/2023 with a 60% annual increase in output
• Crystalline silicon wafer production went up over 78% YoY which should be around 71 GW as last year its output was about 40 GW
• Up from 39.5 GW crystalline silicon cells produced last year, the country rolled out 62.2 GW in the initial 2 months of 2023

The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has released the statistical data for the country's production of solar PV components, stating China produced over 60% more polysilicon annually during 2M/2023 adding up to a total of about 176,000 tons.

In the previous year, during the same time, the national output of polysilicon was about 110,000 tons.

"As of the end of February, the prices of polysilicon materials and modules have declined steadily. The price range of monocrystalline compact materials is RMB 220,000/ton to RMB 244,000/ton, and the price of monocrystalline PERC modules is about RMB 1.75/W," stated the ministry.

Crystalline silicon wafers produced during the period increased by more than 78% annually. While the ministry does not specify any actual production capacity, it should be around 71 GW since in 2M/2022, China produced about 40 GW silicon wafers out of which it exported 5.1 GW.

On annual basis, China rolled out crystalline silicon cells with a combined capacity of 62.2 GW, reflecting an annual jump of 57.5% from 39.5 GW a year back. Export share of this capacity rose by over 156%.

"In terms of components, the national production of crystalline silicon components in January and February increased by 62.2% year-on-year," shared MIIT.

Recently, the China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA) said in 2M/2023, China exported silicon wafers, cells and modules worth $8.6 billion, with a 22% annual growth in January but 4.0% drop in February. Previously the National Energy Administration (NEA) said China installed 20.37 GW new PV capacity in these initial 2 months of 2023 (see China Installed Over 20 GW New Solar In First 2 Months Of 2023).