China proposes stricter solar PV manufacturing efficiency standards

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has released a draft proposal to implement more stringent efficiency requirements for solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers. The proposed 2026 Photovoltaic Manufacturing Industry Specifications aim to improve product quality, reduce resource consumption, and address industry overcapacity.

The draft introduces specific minimum average conversion efficiency thresholds for various technologies. For new or expanded solar cell production lines, the proposed minimums are 26.2% for n-type TOPCon, 26.0% for heterojunction (HJT), and 26.6% for back-contact (BC) technologies. Existing production lines would face slightly lower requirements, such as 25.3% for TOPCon and HJT, and 25.6% for BC.

For solar modules, new production would require minimum average efficiencies of 24.2% for TOPCon, 24.0% for HJT, and 24.4% for BC. The proposal also sets benchmarks for emerging technologies, including a 27% minimum efficiency for new tandem solar modules and 20% for new perovskite modules. The draft is currently open for public consultation until November 15, 2026.