Solar Module Price Determinants

Abstract

The decrease in solar module prices is one of the main factors behind the recent expansion of the global solar energy market. The mechanism underlying this price reduction has been the subject of numerous empirical research. However, the technological aspect of manufacturing has been the main focus of studies on the mechanism for solar module price reduction over the years. This chapter examines how economic and monetary factors, such as interest rates and exchange rates, affect solar module pricing in addition to other factors that have been examined in earlier studies, such as technology and wage rates. The economic factors that influence solar module prices are identified in this chapter. To determine the influence of each factor, the chapter develops a pricing model for solar modules in the top five solar module-producing countries, backed by a theoretical oligopolistic model. For every country, the determinants of solar module prices are different. While exchange rates, knowledge stocks, and oil prices often correlate negatively with solar module prices, interest rates generally have a positive correlation with them. Since the renewable industries are high-tech, capital costs significantly impact technology costs. The governments’ initiatives to offer low-interest financing to enterprises will hasten the commercialization of renewable energy. To expedite the growth of solar energy projects, there have been numerous attempts to lower interest rates for renewable energy technology; however, it is not enough, and specific green financing channels are required. Second, the governments must expand research and development (R&D) expenses relevant to renewable energy. Increasing targeted R&D expenditure through government policies will be an effective strategy for reducing costs and increasing the willingness of the private sector to invest in the solar energy projects.