Solar panel prices have registered further price increases over the past week, driven higher by electricity shortages and higher coal costs in China, the world’s dominant solar module manufacturer.

The price escalation, decreased production and delivery delays are jeopardizing solar energy investment plans, including in Greece, where RES investors are in danger of missing crucial sector deadlines and face growing pressure because of the solar module price ascent.

The price of polysilicon, used as a raw material by the solar photovoltaic industry, rose by 8.6 percent in China, according to PV-Infolink, adding to the upward trajectory of the past month, which is forecast to continue.

In the Modules market, 360-370/435-445W Mono-facial Mono PERC prices were up 2.1 percent last week, while 182mm Mono-facial Mono PERC and 210mm Mono-facial Mono PERC prices rose by 2 percent.

As for glass, 3.2mm sheet prices rose by 3.8 percent and 2mm sheet prices increased by 5 percent.

PV-Infolink has projected further price increases next week, in excess of 3 percent, for all PV materials, except glass.

Solar module manufacturer Amerisolar, a US brand with production facilities in China, Taiwan and the USA, noted, in an announcement, that the current situation is expected to continue into October given the fact that China’s solar module production capacity is currently at just 50 percent.

Also, the delay in deliveries by Chinese producers is a concern ahead of the anticipated end-of-year spike in orders, a customary market trend.