Major Chinese module manufacturers call for government intervention over ‘out of control’ glass prices

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The ASP of solar glass has more than doubled since July as a result of shortages. Image: Frounhofer.

Major module manufacturers in China have called on the country’s government to intervene and ease solar-grade glass shortages they have said are “out of control”.

In a joint statement issued today, Canadian Solar, Risen Energy, JA Solar, JinkoSolar, LONGi and Trina Solar, as well as others, have issued a list of potential remedies for the Communist Party of China to consider as it puts together its 14th Five-Year Plan, due to be unveiled early next year.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

The calls come after the industry has witnessed the average selling price (ASP) of solar-grade 3.2mm glass more than double since July, caused by a “serious shortage” which has “critically affected” production and delivery of solar PV modules in recent months, the companies said.

The statement argues that following a turbulent start to the year, with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the entire solar value chain, demand for modules has exploded, and China alone is expected to install as much as 29GW in the second half of 2020, driven at least partly by grid connection deadlines.

Demand for modules has placed greater strain on the industry’s supply chain, and glass in particular is in high demand.

“[The] PV industry has become China’s business card, and the shortage of glass has made it difficult for many overseas orders to be delivered, and this undermines not just the reputation of enterprises, but even the country itself,” the statement reads.

The six majors to have co-signed the letter have stated they are now collaborating and coordinating resources in order to guarantee supply of glass, but has called upon relevant state departments in China to intervene with glass production capacity having been “seriously left behind” as module manufacturers have hit the accelerator on capacity expansion plans.

“The total supply of modules is insufficient, and PV module companies have already experienced large-scale delivery delays,” the companies have said.

Most of the remedies are targeted at relaxing penalties and other losses associated with utility-scale projects missing grid connection deadlines as a result of module supply shortages. The companies have urged state departments to consider introducing policies to “cool down the rush for installation” towards the year’s end, and guide the progress of projects affected by supply chain constraints.

The statement also calls for upstream glass manufacturers to “take the initiative and work together” with downstream module companies to guarantee supply, while it also urges that policy-making departments in China to consider the “urgent situation” facing solar development and to loosen any restrictions on glass production capacity expansions that may be affected by measures within China’s forthcoming Five-Year Plan.

 

More to follow…

10 March 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
The conference will gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing out to 2030 and beyond.

Read Next

June 19, 2025
The China Enterprise Bankruptcy and Reorganization Case Information Network has published a notice regarding creditor claims for Suntech.
June 19, 2025
Australia-based solar PV module manufacturer Tindo Solar has inked a 15MW solar PV module supply agreement with Vietnam.
June 18, 2025
The solar manufacturing and module purchasing community met in Napa to answer the question of 'what next?' for module supply in uncertain times.
June 18, 2025
The US Senate Finance Committee draft bill is a “stake in the heart” of US solar manufacturing, according to Democrat senator, Ron Wyden.
June 18, 2025
Founder Group has signed a US$220 million memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Chinese polysilicon producer GCL Technology.
June 18, 2025
Australia’s minister for climate change and energy, Chris Bowen, has announced plans to streamline the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) to around six months.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
June 30, 2025
10am PST / 6pm BST
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
July 2, 2025
Bangkok, Thailand
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico