The current price of 6-inch solar wafers is around US$1.95/unit but the industry expects prices to drop to US$1.80-1.85/unit in October. The price of polysilicon is expected to decrease in the fourth quarter, hence it is likely solar cell firms will negotiate with upstream solar wafer suppliers for reduced quotes, according to industry sources.

The industry has been waiting for price trends to emerge for solar wafer and cells after EU PVSEC 2011. The expected price drop of solar cells is likely to push firms to request for lower solar wafer quotes.

The falling price of solar wafers has been putting pressure on firms as the price drop of upstream polysilicon has been less significant. The spot price of polysilicon has been around US$50/kg. Polysilicon firms estimate the price of polysilicon is likely to decrease to US$45/kg in November-December.