The Era of Low Solar Prices is Over: Three Chinese Factors Driving Up Costs (and How to Protect Yourself)
Summary
If you work in the renewable energy sector, you know that market volatility is a constant challenge. But what if we told you that a significant increase in costs is not only expected, but structural?
What will you gain from reading this article?
We will provide you with a practical, action-oriented strategy to address this structural market correction, ensuring that your projects maintain maximum economic efficiency and your Return on Investment (ROI) remains solid, eliminating the obstacles of the traditional supply chain.
The Problem: A Structural Crisis on the Horizon
For the past 18 months, developers have benefited from historically low solar module prices. However, this situation was not sustainable and has reached a turning point due to three converging factors that will lead to a 9% increase in costs in Q4 2025 and beyond:
New guidelines from the Chinese government have limited the expansion of production capacity, causing a dramatic increase in polysilicon prices (up to 48% in September 2025 alone).
The cuts cascaded down the value chain, reducing available capacity and withdrawing obsolete production lines.
From Q4 2025, China will cancel the 13% VAT rebate previously applied to exports of solar modules and storage systems. As China supplies over 80% of global solar modules, this impact will be directly reflected in international prices.
The PVclick Solution: Shortening the Chain, Controlling Costs
In this scenario of rising prices, your ability to control procurement costs is crucial. This is where PVclick comes in: we specialise in direct imports from manufacturers, without intermediaries.
Unlike our competitors who resell and add warehouse costs, we shorten the supply chain. This model guarantees you access to a wider choice and lower costs from the outset.
Protect Your ROI Before It's Too Late
For you, as a distributor or installer, initial purchase costs are a decisive factor in your ROI. If you do not make structural changes to your supply chain, you will be forced to absorb the 9% increase in module prices that manufacturers are already communicating to international customers.
Relying on traditional suppliers at this time means exposing yourself fully to these fluctuations. But when you work directly, you optimise resources from the outset, ensuring a lasting competitive advantage.
We recognise that importing directly can seem complex. Are you concerned about bureaucracy, logistics and WEEE management?
Good. Later on, we will reveal how our All Inclusive service transforms these complexities into ‘zero worries’, allowing you to bypass the most common obstacles with surprising ease.
Our Authority, Your Advantage
Our experience is your security. We only work with the best companies in the industry, providing Tier 1 products that are fully bankable and certified by Bloomberg New Energy Finance. This means not only competitive prices, but also guaranteed reliability and quality in the long term.
The real added value, however, is our Italian team of experts. We will accompany you through every stage of the import process. You will have no language barriers and will receive comprehensive support for logistics, documentation and dealing with any issues that may arise.
We offer flexibility with two service models designed to meet your every need:
- Factory Connect : If you are looking for maximum savings and are able to independently manage customs, internal transport and WEEE tax.
- All Inclusive: If you want a turnkey solution. We take care of everything: customs, internal transport in Italy and payment of the WEEE tax. All you have to do is wait for the product to arrive at its destination!
Don't wait for the price crisis to hit you!
We offer flexibility with two service models designed to meet your every need:
- Factory Connect : If you are looking for maximum savings and are able to independently manage customs, internal transport and WEEE tax.
- All Inclusive: If you want a turnkey solution. We take care of everything: customs, internal transport in Italy and payment of the WEEE tax. All you have to do is wait for the product to arrive at its destination!
Structure Your Defence Against Inflation
The way to survive and thrive in a growing market is to eliminate unnecessary costs at the root.
1. Maximise Choice and Technology
By purchasing directly, you have access to a wider variety of products, allowing you to choose those that best suit your needs. We offer:
- High-quality solar panels from leading global manufacturers (among the top 10 in the world)
- Latest technologies: monocrystalline, half-cells, bifacial, N-type, HJT
- Wide range of inverters, optimisers and storage systems (lead or lithium batteries)
2. Simplify Complex Logistics
Importing can be costly and time-consuming if not handled correctly. We take care of every aspect from start to finish.
- Customs and Taxes: We handle customs paperwork and know how to deal with VAT (paid/declared on arrival) and duty (currently zero for photovoltaic panels).
- WEEE Management: Every manufacturer/importer is required to register with the EEE Register and join a certified disposal consortium (such as COBAT or PV CYCLE Italia). If you choose the All-Inclusive service, we take care of paying the WEEE tax, avoiding penalties of up to £8,500 for failure to register.
- Total transparency: We provide the necessary documents for customs clearance (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading) and assist you in managing HS customs codes.
FEED THE LOOP
Remember: the 9% cost increase is not a temporary event; it is a structural correction towards sustainable margins for Chinese manufacturers. Your competitors who purchase through long distribution chains will see reduced margins or will have to renegotiate existing contracts.
But you, through direct purchasing, are already positioning your company for growth and efficiency.
CLOSE THE LOOP
The Simplicity of All-Inclusive
Here’s the ‘trick’ to eliminating the stress of importing: the All Inclusive service.
If the idea of having to deal with customs formalities (which can cost £500 per container), domestic transport or WEEE tax scares you, the All Inclusive option takes care of all the paperwork and logistics. You don’t have to worry about a thing, ensuring a stress-free experience and simple logistics.
This package allows you to reap the economic benefits of direct purchasing, while delegating all the operational complexities to us.
Conclusion
Market transparency (as reported by Wood Mackenzie) tells us that the days of unrepeatable prices are coming to an end. The winning move now is not to seek temporary savings, but to implement a structural transformation of your supply chain.
Buying directly with PVclick means:
- Greater savings: By eliminating intermediaries, the final price is lower, providing you with a buffer against rising global costs.
- Expertise and Security: Our Italian team guides you through every step, ensuring security and compliance.
- Operational Flexibility: Choose between Factory Connect for maximum savings or All Inclusive for ‘zero worries’.
It’s time to turn market challenges into real opportunities!
