While seeing a large number of orders on hand, thin-film solar module makers observe the growing importance of certification as certified products deliver a price premium of 20% over non-certified ones. Industry players added in saying that the later these companies gain certification, the harder it for them to raise their quotes.
Order visibility for thin-film solar modules is strong, with many customers approaching the makers themselves. Sources at the makers noted that once capacity is available, they are immediately booked. Some customers even indicated that they will still make their procurement regardless whether the thin-film modules are certified by leading authorities such as TUV or UL, the sources added.
The industry players pointed out that the customers who procure thin-film solar modules under government subsidies do not necessarily have to procure certified products, thus there arises a demand for non-certified products. However, certified thin-film solar modules are usually priced 20% higher than non-certified ones, meaning that the corresponding sales and margin at makers of such modules will be higher.
Since certification by TUV or UL takes about one year, the industry players warned that once customers get used to relatively cheap quotes of non-certified thin-film solar modules, they might be reluctant to accept high quotes later.
Article translated by Esther Lam
