- Three mandatory standards now cover China’s entire solar cell production chain
- The rules come into force on 1 January 2027 across polysilicon, wafers and modules
- Older polysilicon plants are under pressure to upgrade heat recovery systems
China is preparing a major reset of its solar industry by introducing mandatory energy regulations that could eliminate inefficient manufacturing capacity.
The new standards cover the entire photovoltaic supply chain, including polysilicon, silicon wafers, modules and inverters across domestic manufacturing.
The measures, due to take effect on January 1, 2027, aim to reduce excess capacity and shift competition away from low prices.
New rules target energy-intensive solar production
The three standards, known as GB 29447-2026, GB 47835-2026 and GB 47834-2026, establish binding requirements for solar power generation efficiency.
Unlike previous voluntary guidelines, these rules create mandatory limits that can influence decisions about production, procurement, imports and renewable energy projects.
GB 29447-2026 focuses on polysilicon and germanium production by tightening energy consumption limits for major manufacturing processes.
The requirements are expected to pressure older polysilicon plants that use more power, while encouraging efficiency system upgrades.
Manufacturers may need to use improved heat recovery, hydrogen recycling and process optimization methods to meet the updated energy requirements.
The wafer sector will also face stricter regulations through GB 47835-2026, which covers standards for monocrystalline silicon production.
Aging crystal pulling equipment and inefficient wafer lines may come under increasing pressure as the industry moves toward improved manufacturing methods.
Technologies such as continuous crystal drawing, better thermal management and thinner wafers are expected to become more important.
GB 47834-2026 introduces energy efficiency requirements for crystalline silicon modules and grid-connected inverters, affecting finished solar products.
The module standard reportedly introduces three levels of efficiency, with Class 1 representing the highest level under the classification system.
Minimum Grade 3 efficiency levels are reported at around 23.2% for TOPCon and HJT modules, along with 23.5% for BC designs.
The standard also introduces environmental stress testing and bifacial performance requirements for various module technologies.
Solar price wars face pressure from stricter standards
China’s solar industry has faced nearly two years of severe oversupply, forcing manufacturers into aggressive price competition, and the new rules are expected to accelerate the retirement of older production lines and increase pressure on less efficient manufacturers.
Older PERC module facilities, early TOPCon production capacity, and high-energy polysilicon fabs could experience the strongest impact.
Companies operating newer, lower-energy generation systems may find it easier to meet future requirements, and the changes could also affect how solar projects choose equipment as government-backed tenders adopt stricter compliance measures.
State-owned utilities and public renewable energy projects may increasingly favor products that meet higher efficiency and energy performance standards.
For solar manufacturers, the shift could increase costs in the short term through equipment upgrades, plant changes and capacity reductions, but the new framework could push the industry away from endless price cuts and toward efficiency-focused competition.
The rules mark a major change for a market that expanded rapidly through low-cost manufacturing and large production volumes.
By curbing inefficient capacity, China appears to be moving toward a solar sector built around energy savings and higher quality output.
Via pv Magazine
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