Spot prices for 6-inch polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) wafers offered by Taiwan-based manufacturers have fallen to as low as US$3.70 per unit from previous highs of between US$3.80 and US$3.90 in November, in response to recent quote cuts by solar cell clients.

Despite the modest price decline, most Taiwan-based wafer makers are still seeing strong orders and capacity utilization, according to industry sources.

Solar cell spot pricing has dropped to US$1.3/W from US$1.35-1.38/W in early December and US$1.43/W in November. Contrary to November when most solar cell makers were still enjoying full orders, manufacturers are now more active in approaching clients for sales. This is an indication that solar cell makers are now feeling the effects of the annual low season and cell supplies are now more sufficient

With solar cell makers feeling the pressure to cut prices, they have requested suppliers to lower quotes as well. Most wafer makers, taking long-term relations into consideration, have agreed, the sources said.

Off season effects have yet to hit the solar wafer segment because capacity expansion for cells greatly outpaced that of wafers since 2009. A substantial wafer price decrease is unlikely in the short term, the sources noted, adding that in China, many clients are reportedly still willing to accept US$4.