pv.market is a novel, neutral, transparent, advanced, secure, and highly regulated digital marketplace designed to streamline bulk transactions of PV components. It will cater verified members and will facilitate a trustworthy environment for sellers and buyers to engage in regular trade with assurance.

1 Available across cloud services, Android, and iOS, access is granted solely to registered users,echoing the stringent, fair practices of "stock exchanges" and paving the way for the digitisation of solar energy trading.

2 Looking ahead, pv.market aims to expand its portfolio to include a broader range of renewable energy products and services, such as carbon trading and cross-broader Energy Trade, making it a central hub for the green economy.

3 The governance of pv.market demands a dynamic, cohesive, and flexible management structure dedicated to safeguarding equitable operations and catering to the diverse interests of all its stakeholders. Set to debut in the EMEA region, the platform is supported by a highly competent management team both online and offline.

4 In addition, pv.market will serve as a reservoir of industry knowledge, featuring the latest blogs, interviews, and insights from thought leaders and key industry participants.

5 Conceived in response to the industry's current challenges, pv.market’s structure and offerings are strategically aligned to effectively address and mitigate these issues, offering

comprehensive support to stakeholders.

6 Endorsed by top-tier component manufacturers, pv.market introduces a subscription model with a monthly fee of USD 20 per user, waived for the first three months as an introductory

offer.

The Next Generation Demand Aggregator

1 Expedited product availability within the EMEA, guaranteeing delivery within 1-30 days, backed by penalties for delays, thus optimising the procurement cycle to a maximum of 30 days for initial orders up to 3 MW, with plans to scale up to 20 MW procurements.

2 Standardization of contracts in quality,quantity, and delivery times to facilitate the trade of large volumes sans physical inspection.

3 Trust and market visibility enhancement through transparent and aligned demand chain practices, reducing procurement risks.

4 Streamlined transactions and dedicated account management services.

5 The digital Platform is expected to be governed by the board, consisting of industry experts and manufacturers, primarily to streamline and regulate business terms.

6 Minimal deployment of working capital, complemented by a variety of payment options.

7 An informative knowledge hub to foster informed purchasing and selling decisions.

8 A regulated pricing ecosystem that minimises price volatility with manufacturer-approved volume-based pricing.

9 Economies of scale are achieved via collaborative efforts and partnerships.

10 Flexible logistics, including choices in warehouse selection for convenience and efficiency.

11 An extensive product line-up with multiple brands includes PV modules, inverters, DC cables, and other Balance of System(BOS) materials.

Current hurdles in the commercial landscape of distributed Solar business

Due to several critical factors, the solar industry is navigating its most turbulent period.

Overcapacity in Photovoltaic (PV) Module Production

An overproduction crisis looms with a surplus of 30% in PV modules, stemming from aggressive manufacturing in 2021-2022. This period saw a surge in year-over-year growth by over 60%. In stark contrast, the growth plummeted to below 30% the following year, and projections show a potential flatline in growth for the next few years.

PV Module Price Decline

The second half of 2023 marked a steep 45% drop in PV module prices, a trend that underscores the sector's pricing volatility. Predicting future costs remains challenging due to fluctuating market demands and an array of contributing factors.

Emerging Technologies on the Horizon

Cutting-edge technologies like Topcon, HJT, and xBC are on the cusp of commercial release, promising enhanced efficiency and reduced Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE). Topcon is poised to dominate, predicting that over 60% of existing production capabilities will transition to this technology.

Supply Chain Complications

With most production based in China and a significant market share in the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East, logistics remain a pivotal factor in product availability and pricing. 2023 has seen sea freight prices vary by up to tenfold.

Shortage of Skilled Personnel

The sector is experiencing a critical shortage of skilled professionals at all management levels, posing a significant challenge  across various markets. Skilled resources must also be developed in line with the new business sectors in renewable energy, e.g. Carbon credit financing or trading, Net Zero, Sustainability, Climate change, intelligent grids, Energy transition, cross-border energy trade, energy market, energy management, ESG, etc.

Neglected Channel Management

Effective channel management is essential, yet it is an area that many tier 1 manufacturers, who contribute less than 35% to the distributed solar sector, overlook. Most of them focus only on a utility scale. A robust channel network can enhance alignment, agility, visibility, predictability, and stability in the demand chain. However, it requires collective action from industry leaders and cannot be achieved in isolation.

Impact On Procurement Cycles

In the distributed solar sector, which primarily serves the residential, commercial, and industrial markets, these overarching challenges translate into protracted procurement cycles ranging from 60 to 120 days, compounded by an average 30-day transit time. Efforts to mitigate this through inventory strategies often backfire due to the severe price volatility. Consequently, significant capital is tied up and wasted, with extensive stockpiles observed at ports in 2023, adding to the unpredictability and

financial strain.

Shift Towards Regional Manufacturing

A call for localised manufacturing is gaining momentum, driven by supply chain complications and a global push for sustainability and renewable energy. However, with more than 90% of production currently centralised in China, a shift could disrupt market prices significantly. Establishing independent local production is a formidable challenge that may span several years.

Addressing these issues in the distributed solar sector requires adopting collaborative supply chain practices—a strategy that has proven successful in other industries like automotive, electronics, and computing. An efficient demand chain is a crucial component of holistic supply chain management, and by employing collaborative principles, the solar industry can aim for a sustainable, scalable, and stable supply chain post-production.

Summing Up…

pv.market is designed to reshape the landscape of photovoltaic component trading with its advanced digital platform and it meets the highest standards of regulation, transparency, and neutrality. pv.market is uniquely positioned to foster a secure and efficient trading environment for its verified members.The platform's commitment to providing streamlined, equitable services is a testament to its forward-thinking approach, addressing the pressing needs of the solar sector. As it embarks on its journey, pv.market is not just a marketplace but a beacon of knowledge and a catalyst for change in the renewable energy domain. With a vision to expand its reach beyond solar components to a wider

array of renewable resources, pv.market is on course to become an integral part of the green economy's

infrastructure. The platform's commitment to addressing current industry challenges, coupled with its robust governance and management structure, ensures it is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the solar market.