Shifting Towards Quality in Photovoltaics: Government and Enterprises Accelerate Progress
On November 15, 2024, the Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission issued the “2024 Competitive Configuration Work Plan for Offshore Photovoltaic Projects with Wind and Solar Co-located.” This plan outlines the competitive configuration of seven offshore photovoltaic projects. The scoring criteria include bonuses for using high-efficiency components and inverters, with a maximum score awarded for components boasting a conversion efficiency of 24%.
Two months later, the Shaanxi Provincial Development and Reform Commission launched the “Leader Program,” which sparked significant industry discussion. On January 9, 2025, the Shaanxi Provincial Development and Reform Commission released a notice regarding the development and construction of wind and photovoltaic power projects, clearly stating a new guaranteed target of 10GW for wind and photovoltaic energy. Additionally, a 2GW photovoltaic “Leader Program” was implemented, requiring components to achieve a conversion efficiency of at least 24.2%. This initiative signifies that the 2GW photovoltaic leader program in Shaanxi will set higher entry barriers by mandating the use of high-efficiency components, guiding the industry towards the adoption of new technologies that prioritize higher efficiency and lower costs, thus establishing a benchmark for the high-quality development of the photovoltaic sector.
The release of these two plans not only represents a tangible effort to break away from excessive competition but also serves as a crucial measure to promote high-quality development within the photovoltaic industry. By setting high technical standards, these initiatives directly encourage companies to focus on technological innovation and capacity upgrades, optimizing the competitive landscape. Through market competition and selective processes, advanced technologies and products can be widely applied, while inefficient and outdated capacities are gradually phased out. For instance, the “Leader Program” from 2015 to 2017 successfully facilitated the transition from polycrystalline to monocrystalline technology, and the proactive policies from Shanghai and Shaanxi are expected to promote the widespread adoption of high-efficiency technologies such as Bifacial (BC) and Heterojunction (HJT).
Expansion of the BC Camp: Driven by Technological Innovation and Market Breakthroughs
In 2025, the photovoltaic industry stands at a critical juncture of technological iteration and supply-side reform. As TOPCon technology faces challenges of overcapacity and homogenized competition, BC (Bifacial) technology emerges as a promising new direction due to its high efficiency, low degradation, and excellent performance in low-light conditions. From the Tokyo International Photovoltaic Expo (PV EXPO 2025) to exhibitions in Jinan, China, the BC technology sector is rapidly expanding, with numerous leading companies launching new products, marking the shift of BC technology from niche to mainstream.
The PV EXPO 2025 took place from February 19 to 21 at the Tokyo Big Sight. TCL Solar, a subsidiary of TCL Zhonghuan, showcased its refreshed brand image and unveiled two new BC products. The first model is a bifacial module using the industry’s most common dimensions of 2382*1134mm, featuring 66 half-cut 182*210mm rectangular BC cells, achieving a maximum power output of 665W and a conversion efficiency of 24.6%. The second model, a smaller single-sided module, incorporates 54 cells, with a power output of up to 470W and a conversion efficiency of 23.6%. Leading module manufacturer JA Solar also made its debut with BC products at the expo, presenting three single-sided BC modules, each exceeding a conversion efficiency of 24%.
March 5 marked a highlight for BC technology at the Jinan exhibition. In addition to pioneers LONGi and Aiko, TCL Solar, GCL, Tongwei, Xuhua, and Runma displayed their latest BC products, marking the end of LONGi and Aiko’s monopoly on BC technology.
Undoubtedly, the proliferation of BC technology is attributable to its superior technological advantages and the industry’s pressing need to escape homogenized competition. Additionally, significant breakthroughs in the bidding market for BC technology are igniting momentum across the industry. As the first quarter of this year is yet to conclude, two major BC segments have already made waves. In January, LONGi successfully secured a 500MW project with Inner Mongolia Energy Group, marking it as the largest centralized BC project in the country. In March, Aiko won a 1GW project with Datang as the top bidder, further expanding its market share in BC technology. These successful bids indicate that BC technology is gradually gaining recognition from investors, becoming the preferred solution for photovoltaic projects.
Market forecasts for BC cells are optimistic, with predictions suggesting a market share of 10%-15% by 2025, potentially rising to 20%-50% by 2030, establishing BC as one of the mainstream technologies in the photovoltaic market. This anticipated growth will depend on a combination of technological advantages, policy support, and strategic company positioning.
From policy guidance to corporate innovation, the photovoltaic industry is entering a new phase of high-quality development. The sector is shifting from low-price, cutthroat competition to a healthy development model driven by technological innovation. In the future, fueled by dual forces of technological iteration and market breakthroughs, the photovoltaic industry is poised for a significant rebound, providing robust support for achieving carbon neutrality goals.
