Compared with downstream firms, quotes from upstream solar firms have been increasing more apparently, according to Digitimes Research analyst, Chihheng Liang. Downstream firms such as makers of solar cells have been trying to increase prices, but have not yet been successful, said Liang.

Polysilicon pricing continues to increase steadily reaching US$29.50/kg this week. The segment of the supply chain that has been showing the most apparent price increase is solar wafers. Within the solar wafer segment, demand has been growing for monocrystalline products. 125 mono and 156 mono both demonstrated a price increase of US$0.04/unit this week because when the market was experiencing low demand, many monocrystalline product makers suspended production. As demand from Germany and Australia is increasing, supply has been relatively scarce causing prices to increase, added Liang.

156 multi showed a slight increase in price, but rather small compared to monocrystalline products. Taiwan's high-efficiency solar wafer makers have been hoping to quote 156 multi at US$1.20/unit, concluded Liang.

Source: Digitimes Research, February 2012

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German solar groups could thrive on subsidy fears (February 1) - Reuters UK