Solar Glass Prices Rebound: What 2.0mm and 3.2mm Buyers Should Know (September 2026)

Solar glass prices reversed course in August 2026 after six months of straight declines, recording two rounds of hikes within the month. The average price for 2.0mm double-sided coated glass hit RMB 11/m² on August 31, while 3.2mm double-sided coated rose by RMB 0.55/m² over the month, closing at RMB 17.15/m². On September 1, the industry raised its unified listed prices again: 2.0mm single-sided coated at RMB 10.5/m², 2.0mm double-sided coated to RMB 11.5/m², and 3.2mm single-sided coated in the RMB 17–19/m² range. At current exchange rates, that translates to roughly $1.43/m² for 2.0mm single-sided coated and about $2.32–2.60/m² for 3.2mm single-sided coated.

However, much of the spot market is still trading on a case-by-case basis, and the gap between listed prices and actual transaction prices hasn't fully closed. This gap represents the last window for buyers looking to secure fixed-price long-term contracts before the next leg up.

2026: The Bottom of the Market

The industry endured severe losses in the first half of 2026. According to SCI (Zhuochuang), the H1 average for 2.0mm PV glass was RMB 9.65/m², down 25% year-on-year. In May, inventory days exceeded 50, a record high, while 2.0mm prices hit an all-time low of RMB 8–8.5/m². Leading PV glass manufacturer Flat Glass Group posted an H1 net loss of RMB 363 million, with a Q2 loss of RMB 401 million.

The August Rebound: Losses Forced the Cuts

This rally was driven by the supply side. Sustained losses forced the industry into accelerated cold repairs and capacity pullbacks. Per SMM, operating daily melting capacity has dropped from its 2026 peak of 89,700 t/d to 75,800 t/d, with 7,750 t/d taken offline for cold repairs in June and July alone. Monthly output has fallen every month since January: down 9.7% month-on-month in June and another 2.2% in July. September output is expected to come in nearly 25% below the January peak. Breaking it down by thickness, 3.2mm output is down about 29% since January, while 2.0mm is off about 17%.

Inventories are also draining. As of August 20, industry inventory days had fallen to 45.65, down 14% from the peak. It was this supply contraction that finally lifted prices off the floor.

Can the Rally Hold?

Both benchmark specs remain below their January levels, a reminder of how early this recovery is. Restarting a furnace from cold repair isn't a quick decision: it requires months of preparation and significant capital, and producers have little incentive to resume operations before pricing restores a reasonable margin. SMM expects further upside in September, with 2.0mm double-sided coated glass likely to keep climbing toward RMB 11.5/m².

What Buyers Should Do Now

With the September 1 listed price for 2.0mm single-sided coated panel at RMB 10.5/m², the window to lock in Q4 volumes on fixed-price contracts is narrowing fast. Where possible, negotiate long-term agreements now. At a minimum, split Q4 volumes: part on quarterly fixed pricing, part floating. The output cuts have only just begun to bite, and inventories haven't returned to safe levels yet.

For buyers planning Q4 or 2027 procurement, contact Montag for the latest 2.0mm and 3.2mm solar glass quotes, or review our solar glass specificationsfor PV modules and BIPV applications.