We use cookies to improve your experience and for marketing. Read our cookie policy or manage cookies.
Search across reports, market insights, and blog stories.
Median pricing for solar modules in the United States has reached a level of $0.28 per watt, according to a first-quarter 2026 report from Anza. The market has adjusted to stricter trade enforcement and new compliance rules for Foreign Entities of Concern.
The current price represents a shift from lower levels seen in early 2025. This stabilization follows a period of volatility in 2025, when median prices increased by as much as 14% over an eleven-month span. Stricter FEOC rules are contributing to higher prices, as projects starting construction in 2026 must meet specific domestic content thresholds to qualify for a full tax credit bonus. These thresholds are set to increase annually.
Data shows a growing price difference between modules that comply with FEOC rules and those that do not. Compliant modules have increased in price by approximately 4.9%, while non-compliant hardware saw a more significant price spike of 9.2% previously.
Pricing for different solar cell technologies has converged. Mono PERC modules saw a 4.2% increase to approximately $0.275 per watt, as buyers sought its mature supply chain. TOPCon technology has a median price of $0.285 per watt, with demand driven by efficiency gains despite patent concerns among major suppliers. Heterojunction modules remain the most expensive mainstream option at $0.39 per watt, with limited availability influencing their cost.
The domestic manufacturing market shows split pricing. Modules using U.S.-made cells command the highest premium, priced at $0.46 per watt after a 5.7% increase. Modules assembled in the U.S. but using imported cells rose in price by nearly 6% to $0.36 per watt. Imported modules not facing severe trade penalties have remained relatively flat at $0.265 per watt, though a pending national security investigation could introduce new tariffs.
Procurement strategies are also being influenced by anticipated trade determinations on imports from several Asian countries. Prices for modules from certain Southeast Asian nations previously increased by 7.7% and remain elevated.
In contrast to solar modules, battery storage pricing has continued to decline. For a distributed generation system, costs fell by 6.8%, while utility-scale storage saw a decline of 10.6% from peak levels in mid-2025. This decrease is linked to lower lithium carbonate costs and expanded manufacturing capacity outside China, though upcoming tariffs remain a factor.
Analysts warn that the current pricing environment may not last. Potential new tariffs on key raw materials could create upward pressure, especially for domestic manufacturers reliant on imports. The premium for U.S.-made cells is expected to stay high as the industry works to meet domestic content requirements.
The report concludes that procurement must now account for tariffs, tax credit values, and supply chain compliance risks, moving beyond simple sticker price comparisons. The baseline for U.S. solar pricing appears to have shifted higher.
Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business
A Quick Overview of Market Performance
Understanding the Current State of The Market and its Prospects
Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business
Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain
Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Export
The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry
The Largest Import Supplying Countries
The Largest Destinations for Exports
The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles
The Largest Markets And Their Profiles
Instant access. No credit card needed.
Online access to 2M+ reports, dashboards, and tables. Trusted by Fortune 500 teams.
IndexBox, Inc.
2093 Philadelphia Pike #1441
Claymont, DE 19703, USA
Contact us
© 2026 IndexBox, Inc
Instant access. No credit card needed.
Online access to 2M+ reports, dashboards, and tables. Trusted by Fortune 500 teams.

source