China Proposes Higher Solar Cell, Module Efficiency Standards
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has proposed minimum cell efficiencies of 26.2 percent for TOPCon, 26 percent for HJT and 26.6 percent for BC, and module efficiencies of 24.2 percent, 24 percent and 24.4 percent, respectively, for new and expanded solar PV manufacturing facilities.
October 24, 2026. By Mrinmoy Dey
The proposed rules aim to curb excess capacity, discourage unplanned expansion and encourage technological development in the solar manufacturing sector.
Under the draft, new and expanded production lines would need to achieve average cell conversion efficiencies of at least 26.2 percent for TOPCon, 26 percent for HJT and 26.6 percent for back-contact (BC) technologies.
For solar modules manufactured at new or expanded facilities, the proposed minimum average efficiencies are 24.2 percent for TOPCon, 24 percent for HJT and 24.4 percent for BC technology.
The draft also sets efficiency thresholds for existing manufacturing facilities. Solar cells would need to achieve average efficiencies of at least 25.3 percent for TOPCon and HJT and 25.6 percent for BC technology. For existing modules, the proposed thresholds are 23.4 percent for TOPCon, and HJT and 23.7 percent for BC.
For emerging technologies, new tandem solar modules would be required to achieve an average efficiency of at least 27 percent, compared with 25 percent for existing products. New perovskite modules would need to meet a minimum average efficiency of 20 percent.
The proposed rules also introduce requirements for energy and water consumption across manufacturing stages, particularly polysilicon production. They cover waste management, recycling, environmental protection, pollutant discharge and worker safety, while encouraging greater automation, digital manufacturing and improved production processes.
Under the draft, new and expanded manufacturing projects would be required to maintain a minimum equity-capital ratio of 30 percent. Manufacturers or their controlling groups would also need to invest at least 3 percent of annual sales revenue, with a minimum annual investment of RMB 20 million, in research and development (R&D) and process improvements.
The draft further proposes measures to strengthen product quality and traceability across raw material procurement, manufacturing, testing and warranty services. It also provides for regular reviews, random product sampling and the removal of manufacturers from the list of compliant enterprises if they fail to meet the specified requirements.
The proposed revision comes as China's solar manufacturing industry faces excess production capacity and financial pressure amid intense price competition. The updated specifications seek to shift the sector's focus towards technological innovation, product quality, manufacturing efficiency and environmental compliance.
The 2026 edition, once finalised, is expected to replace the previous 2024 specifications. The draft is open for public consultation until November 15, 2026.
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