The solar industry has been trying to increase prices. Industry sources indicate that 6-inch polysilicon solar wafers have been quoted around US$1.20-1.30/unit. However, downstream solar cell firms have not yet accepted the increased prices.

Solar wafer firms indicated that the segment has been experiencing losses, to increase the price from US$1.10-1.20/unit to US$1.20-1.30/unit, a 5-10% increase, is reasonable. In addition, the price of polysilicon has stopped falling. Solar wafer firms continue to be squeezed between rigid polysilicon pricing and low product prices.

Solar cell makers indicated that the segment has been having trouble generating profits as well, hence the firms have been negotiating with upstream solar wafer makers.

China-based solar wafer makers have been going in two directions. Some firms have been trying to increase prices aggressively while others believe holding the current low price will wipe out less competitive firms.