Panel prices are going up. Key changes from China from 1 April 2026

For the last two months we have been pointing out that the solar market is starting to turn upwards. Recent developments in China confirm this trend - and also send a clear signal that the era of extremely cheap panels (and to some extent batteries) is coming to an end.

 

Below we summarise what's happening, why it's pushing prices up, and what we recommend doing if you're planning to buy or implement PV in 2026.

China changes export policy: end of preferences for panels and batteries

China is adjusting tax conditions for solar technology exports.

The 9% VAT rebate on solar panel exports will be abolished as of 1 April 2026.

 

For batteries, the change will be phased in.

The VAT refund will be reduced from 9% to 6% (until 31/12/2026) and then abolished completely.

 

In practice, this means only one thing: exports will become more expensive - and with them the technology we have seen for the last few years at extremely low prices.

Inputs are rising: silicon, ingots and silver have all gone up by more than 10% since December

Alongside politics comes a second pressure: material costs.

 

In particular, silicon, ingots and silver have risen by more than 10% since December and the trend continues. The market is dynamic and predictions are never 100%, but with a combination of influences, we expect that PV panels could see cumulative price increases of more than 20%.

The price increase will not come overnight - there will be a short period of time when the after-sales prices will still be running

Important message: the increase will not be a leap, but gradual.

 

There is still a relatively large stock of solar products in Europe bought at last year's prices. In addition, due to the cold weather and tight cash flow in part of the market, "cash sales" can still be expected for a few weeks .

 

But this is a temporary window - cheap inventory will sell off and be replaced by already more expensive material.

What this means for you: if you are planning PV or seasonal storage, act before the end of February 2026

If you're planning a solar power plant investment, or if you're an implementation company and want to stock up on materials for the season, then we think it's time to address material sourcing by the end of February 2026.

 

Why this deadline?

• By then, cheap European stocks are likely to have sold out.
• Chinese manufacturers will start the New Year holiday on 17 February and factories will shut down.

 

After the holidays end in early March, it may already be a problem to find available production slots and get exports out of China in time to get everything done before the change in conditions from 1 April 2026.

The good news in conclusion: at SOLSOL we are ready

We anticipated this situation in advance - which is why we have a new 8,000 m² warehouse in Olomouc-Bystrc filled to the brim with technology.

We guarantee prices until the end of January

After that, we have to adjust our prices to match the new market conditions.

 

To be honest: we recommend to secure the technology as soon as possible, because the new material will most likely not be cheaper.

Do you want to secure your technology in time?

Get in touch - we can help you select the right solution, set the quantities for your warehouse/project and go over the timeline so that you can take advantage of the bargain stock still available.