Solar power purchase agreement (PPA) prices in North America rose 4.9% quarter over quarter in Q3 2026, reversing a slight decline in the previous quarter, according to LevelTen Energy’s latest market report. Wind PPA prices were essentially flat, as lower prices in ERCOT offset increases elsewhere.
The report analyzed 206 price offers from 166 energy projects across six U.S. ISO territories. LevelTen said tariffs on imported polysilicon solar materials, scheduled to take effect in December, were already affecting prices offered by solar developers. Tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper were also reportedly adding to wind developers’ costs.
LevelTen’s Q3 benchmark P25 prices were $64.23/MWh for solar and $68.27/MWh for wind. The company also introduced a new Market Index that tracks relative price changes over the previous eight quarters. Since Q3 2024, its aggregate wind index has risen 27.5%, while the solar index is up 12.7%.
The report said buyers may have a near-term opportunity to secure power contracts under current clean-energy incentives. It urged buyers to act while developers can still arrange financing in time to benefit from the existing Investment Tax Credit, and noted that upcoming changes to Science Based Targets Initiative rules could influence procurement decisions. LevelTen said its full report includes further guidance on procurement options under those rules.
Sources: pv magazine.