Renewables
China solar industry navigates tenders, inventory pressure and overseas shifts
Energy China shortlists suppliers for a massive solar tender, while manufacturers adjust to changing trade dynamics and persistent supply chain challenges.
Key points
- Energy China has shortlisted 23 module suppliers for its upcoming 15 GW centralized procurement tender.
- Drinda cancelled a planned 5 GW solar cell facility in Oman due to geopolitical uncertainties and export policy changes.
- TrendForce reported that Chinese polysilicon inventories remained elevated above 570,000 metric tons despite production cuts.
What happened
pv magazine reported that Energy China has shortlisted 23 manufacturers for a centralized procurement tender covering 15 GW of solar modules. The procurement plan includes 10.7 GW of tunnel oxide passivated contact modules, 3.3 GW of back-contact modules, and 1 GW of heterojunction modules. Bids submitted for the tender ranged between CNY 0.695 and CNY 0.779 per watt, though final contract allocations remain pending.
In regulatory developments, JinkoSolar announced it secured certifications under two mandatory Chinese standards, GB 47739-2026 for module safety and GB 47740-2026 for nameplate and marking requirements. These standards were issued by the China Quality Certification Centre and the China General Certification Center to enforce stricter compliance regarding manufacturing consistency and labeling.
Meanwhile, international expansion plans faced setbacks. Drinda decided to scrap its proposed 5 GW solar cell manufacturing project in Oman. The manufacturer pointed to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, shifting international trade conditions, and revisions to domestic technology export policies as reasons that undermined the viability of the investment. The firm had previously signed a letter of intent with the Oman Investment Authority for a larger facility.
Downstream, GCL System Integration secured a module supply agreement for a 1 GW project in Wusu, Xinjiang, involving approximately 776,840 modules. According to TrendForce, domestic polysilicon stockpiles stayed above 570,000 metric tons, while production volumes were anticipated to drop to approximately 95,000 metric tons. Ongoing oversupply and subdued demand for modules continue to drive down prices across the component supply chain.
Why it matters
Global solar manufacturing trends heavily influence the cost trajectory of renewable energy deployments worldwide, including across developing markets in Africa. While lower component prices can theoretically improve project economics, persistent oversupply and regulatory shifts in major manufacturing hubs introduce volatility into international supply chains. For emerging economies seeking to scale up domestic renewable generation, understanding the broader health and pricing dynamics of equipment suppliers is essential for long-term infrastructure planning and procurement strategy.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
28.4% of electricity in China was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
