Shares of solar energy-related stocks rise ahead of the implementation of Solar Energy Section 232

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Eunjin Lim = Stock prices of solar energy-related stocks are rising in the early trading on the 28th as prices of modules and polysilicon are rising ahead of the implementation of Article 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act, or so-called 'Section 232'.

According to the Korea Exchange, as of 9:28 am on this day, Hanwha Solutions [009830] is trading at 32,800 won, up 12.33% from the previous trading day.

Additionally, OCI Holdings [010060] is also trading at 225,500 won, up 9.47%.

This appears to be due to solar module suppliers raising their offer prices in the U.S. and the prices of modules and polysilicon rising.

Anza, a solar and energy storage system (ESS) platform company, reported that on the 7th of last month, the median price of imported modules was $0.27 per watt (W), but the median offer price presented by suppliers who later reset the price was $0.38, an increase of approximately 40.7%.

It is interpreted that suppliers have reflected this in their offer prices ahead of the implementation of Section 232, which aims to introduce a minimum import price system for polysilicon, a core material of solar panels, and its derivative products.

In addition, the price of U.S. double-sided mono-PERC modules has risen by about 20% since the beginning of the year, and the price of U.S. polysilicon has also risen.

Yoon Jae-seong, a researcher at Hana Securities, predicted, “Ahead of the implementation of Section 232 on December 4, an upward trend in U.S. module and polysilicon (prices) was detected, and the upward trend will become even steeper after implementation.”

In addition, he said, "In the competition for hegemony between the U.S. and China, the solar energy industry, which is linked to polysilicon for semiconductors, is being re-evaluated as a strategic national security asset of the U.S."