Que: What were the biggest technology trends and innovations you observed at SNEC 2026?

Ans: SNEC Shanghai 2026 showcased a clear shift toward the next generation of photovoltaic manufacturing. High-efficiency N-type technologies, including TOPCon, HJT, and Back Contact (BC) cells, dominated the exhibition, while perovskite and tandem solar cells emerged as the industry's most promising future technologies.

Beyond cell innovation, one of the strongest themes was the convergence of automation, artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing. AI-powered inspection systems, digital manufacturing platforms, advanced testing equipment, and intelligent process control are transforming production lines into highly efficient, data-driven ecosystems. The industry's focus has evolved from simply increasing output to maximising quality, yield, traceability, and long-term reliability.

Que: How has the global solar industry evolved compared to previous years?

Ans: The industry's priorities have shifted significantly. Rather than competing solely on manufacturing capacity, companies are now differentiating themselves through technology leadership, operational efficiency, and manufacturing excellence.

Manufacturers are investing heavily in automation, digitalisation, and next-generation cell technologies while optimising existing production lines for greater efficiency and lower production costs. The result is a more mature, innovation-driven industry where performance, sustainability, and intelligent manufacturing have become key competitive advantages.

Que: What were the key highlights from your discussions with your global partners - Zealwe, Avalon, and Phoenixolar?

Ans: Each of our global partners highlighted a different aspect of the industry's technological evolution.

Zealwe focused on advanced module testing solutions, quality assurance systems, and strategic discussions around customer requirements and future market opportunities.

Avalon showcased its latest generation of solar simulators, including laboratory and production-line solutions designed to improve testing accuracy, measurement stability, and manufacturing efficiency. The introduction of the Steady State Cell IV Tester Mobile Lab further demonstrated the growing emphasis on flexible, field-based testing capabilities.

Phoenixolar presented significant advancements in perovskite solar cell production equipment, reflecting increasing confidence in the commercial viability of next-generation photovoltaic technologies.

Que: What was your biggest takeaway from SNEC Shanghai 2026?

Ans: The biggest takeaway was the extraordinary pace at which the solar manufacturing industry is evolving.

Innovation today extends far beyond improvements in cell efficiency. It encompasses automation, artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing, advanced quality control, and intelligent production management. Companies that successfully integrate these technologies into their manufacturing ecosystems will shape the future of the global solar industry.

Que: Which technologies attracted the greatest interest from visitors?

Ans: The strongest interest centred around technologies capable of improving manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and long-term reliability.

High-efficiency cell production equipment, automated inspection systems, solar simulators, reliability testing solutions, intelligent manufacturing software, and perovskite production technologies attracted significant attention from manufacturers and project developers alike.

Although Indian participation was comparatively lower than anticipated, the exhibition facilitated valuable interactions with international manufacturers, technology providers, and industry leaders from across the global solar ecosystem.

Que: Why are international exhibitions like SNEC important for Aster and India's renewable energy sector?

Ans: International exhibitions such as SNEC serve as strategic platforms where technology, innovation, and business converge.

For Aster, participation provides invaluable exposure to emerging technologies, evolving customer requirements, and global market trends while strengthening collaborations with leading international partners. For India's solar industry, these platforms accelerate technology transfer, encourage manufacturing excellence, and support the country's ambition to become a globally competitive renewable energy manufacturing hub.

As India's clean energy transition gathers pace, international collaboration, continuous innovation, and access to world-class technologies will remain essential in shaping the next chapter of the country's solar manufacturing journey.

Que: How are recent government initiatives shaping India's solar manufacturing landscape? What role is ALMM playing?

Ans: India continues to establish itself as one of the world's fastest-growing solar manufacturing markets. Government initiatives such as the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, PM Surya Ghar Yojana, and Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) policies are accelerating investments across the entire manufacturing value chain.

These policies are encouraging companies to establish domestic cell and module manufacturing facilities while simultaneously increasing demand for advanced production equipment, testing solutions, and quality assurance systems.

As India strengthens its manufacturing capabilities, the emphasis is increasingly shifting toward producing globally competitive products that meet international quality standards.

From discussions across SNEC, it is evident that ALMM has evolved beyond being a regulatory framework. It is now widely viewed as a strategic enabler of India's long-term manufacturing ambitions.

By creating sustained demand for domestically manufactured solar modules and cells, ALMM is encouraging capacity expansion, attracting fresh investment, and strengthening local supply chains. More importantly, it is motivating manufacturers to adopt advanced technologies and higher quality standards, laying the foundation for a self-reliant and globally competitive solar manufacturing ecosystem.

Que: What can India learn from developments in China's solar manufacturing ecosystem?

Ans: China continues to lead the industry through its combination of large-scale manufacturing, continuous innovation, and rapid commercialisation of emerging technologies.

One of the most notable trends at SNEC was the industry's confidence in perovskite, tandem cells, and next-generation N-type technologies, many of which are already transitioning from research laboratories to commercial production. China's ability to rapidly scale new technologies while maintaining manufacturing efficiency provides valuable insights for India's expanding solar ecosystem.

Que: What opportunities do you see for Aster in India's growing solar market?

Ans: India's manufacturing expansion presents significant opportunities for Aster to support the industry's transition toward world-class production standards.

As new manufacturing facilities continue to emerge under government-backed initiatives, demand for advanced testing equipment, solar simulators, reliability testing systems, and integrated manufacturing solutions will continue to grow. Leveraging its partnerships with leading global technology providers, Aster is well-positioned to help Indian manufacturers improve efficiency, product quality, and global competitiveness.