China Proposes Export Restrictions On Advanced Solar Manufacturing Technologies
The proposed measures target high-efficiency perovskite and tandem cell production processes to address national security concerns.
China’s Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology have proposed new export bans and restrictions on advanced solar manufacturing technologies. Published on Oct. 16, the draft includes 12 photovoltaic technologies in a broader consultation covering 40 sectors. The public consultation period for these proposals remains open until Nov. 15, with the government citing national security as the primary driver for the potential controls.
The proposed prohibitions target specific production processes for perovskite-silicon tandem cells, including those using wafers at least 182 mm wide with conversion efficiencies of 30% or higher. Restrictions also apply to slot-die coating processes and large-area modules meeting defined efficiency thresholds. Additionally, the draft covers advanced polysilicon production techniques, thin silicon wafer manufacturing, and high-performance processes for tunnel oxide passivated contact, back-contact, and heterojunction solar cells.
While the proposed export bans and licensing requirements are not yet in effect, an interim registration requirement began on Oct. 16. Companies must now register planned exports of the listed technologies through an online system managed by the Ministry of Commerce. This requirement applies to intellectual property transfers, overseas licensing, and ownership changes involving foreign entities.
The ministry clarified that the measures do not target specific countries or companies and do not apply to finished solar modules or technologies falling below the specified technical thresholds. If adopted, the controls would require government approval for the transfer of restricted manufacturing know-how, potentially impacting overseas project timelines and increasing compliance costs for international manufacturers.
These regulations could solidify China’s influence over the global diffusion of next-generation solar manufacturing, though analysts suggest the move may also complicate the international expansion plans of Chinese firms and heighten global trade tensions.
