TCL Zhonghuan has completed its acquisition of Das Solar, gaining 20 GW of n-type TOPCon cell capacity and 50 GW of module capacity while outlining plans to upgrade 20 GW of cell and 25 GW of module production to back-contact technology.
TCL Zhonghuan completed the acquisition of Chinese module maker Das Solar on July 2. According to previously disclosed information, the deal gives TCL Zhonghuan access to 20 GW of advanced n-type TOPCon cell capacity, primarily TOPCon 3.0, and 50 GW of module capacity. TCL Zhonghuan also announced a technology upgrade plan, investing CNY 1.4 billion ($206 million) to convert the full 20 GW of cell capacity to back-contact (BC) production lines and CNY 1.2 billion ($176 million) to upgrade 25 GW of module capacity to BC module assembly lines. Once completed, the upgrades will provide TCL Zhonghuan with 20 GW of BC cell capacity and 25 GW of BC module production capacity.
The Silicon Industry Branch of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNMIA) said on July 1 that polysilicon prices fell for a fifth consecutive week. N-type recharging polysilicon traded at CNY 31,000-CNY 34,000/ton ($4,559-$5,000/ton), with an average price of CNY 32,800/ton ($4,824/ton), down 1.2% week on week. N-type granular silicon traded at CNY 32,000-CNY 33,000/ton ($4,706-$4,853/ton), averaging CNY 32,300/ton ($4,750/ton), down 0.62%. The association said the polysilicon market remains in a bottoming phase, with high inventories, increasing supply, and weak demand continuing to weigh on prices. On July 2, the association reported further declines in wafer prices. N-type G10L wafers averaged CNY 0.88/piece ($0.13/piece), down 2.22% week on week; n-type G12R wafers averaged CNY 0.97/piece ($0.14/piece), down 2.02%; and n-type G12 wafers averaged CNY 1.16/piece ($0.17/piece), down 0.85%. The association said weak downstream procurement, combined with slightly higher operating rates among some wafer manufacturers, led to a modest increase in supply and further downward pressure on prices.
