Currently, most Chinese photovoltaic companies lack strong independent research capabilities. Key semiconductor materials and equipment are largely imported, and technological bottlenecks severely limit the growth of China's photovoltaic sector. This issue is particularly prominent when it comes to core technologies and high-end manufacturing processes.
In the photovoltaic value chain, the assembly segment is relatively low in both technical complexity and financial entry barriers. As a result, there has been a rapid surge in packaging firms within China over the past few years. Collectively, these companies boast a production capacity exceeding two million kilowatts. However, fierce competition and rising raw material costs have driven many of these businesses into unprofitable territory. Additionally, product quality varies widely across different firms, leading to concerns about long-term sustainability in this segment.
On the brighter side, upstream players like Wuxi Suntech and Nanjing Zhongdian Photovoltaic, which specialize in solar cell manufacturing, are faring much better. These companies leverage cutting-edge technology to produce first-generation crystalline solar cells, which remain highly sought-after due to their reliability and consistent performance. These products currently dominate the global market, offering stability and efficiency that appeal to consumers.
However, the global photovoltaic landscape is evolving rapidly. The transition from first-generation to second-generation solar cells is well underway. Thin-film solar cells, which consume significantly less silicon than traditional crystalline counterparts, represent the next frontier. Experts predict that thin-film solar cells will soon challenge crystalline models in terms of competitiveness and adoption rates.
Kong Li, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Vice Chairman of the China Renewable Energy Society, acknowledges that China lags behind international peers in developing both crystalline and thin-film solar cell technologies. He estimates this gap to be at least ten years wide.
Meanwhile, global leaders in photovoltaic innovation continue to push boundaries. Japanese firm Kyocera holds the current world record for photovoltaic efficiency, producing polycrystalline silicon cells with an impressive 18.5% conversion rate. Another Japanese company, Sanyo, has developed hybrid solar cells combining crystalline silicon with amorphous silicon layers, achieving a remarkable 22% efficiency. Meanwhile, thin-film solar cells built on micron-thin stainless steel substrates offer distinct advantages, including lighter weight and greater flexibility compared to rigid glass-based alternatives.
The photovoltaic industry is witnessing continuous advancements. According to the 2007 China PV Development Report, ongoing technological progress and expanding industrial scales are expected to make solar power competitive with conventional energy sources by 2030, positioning it as a mainstream energy solution.
At the 2007 World Solar Congress in Beijing, Tang Chuanrong, Vice President of the International Solar Energy Society and顾问for Kyocera Japan, outlined Japan’s ambitious targets for reducing photovoltaic electricity costs. By 2010, 2020, and 2030, he projected costs would drop to 1.5 RMB, 0.93 RMB, and 0.47 RMB per kilowatt-hour, respectively. The International Energy Agency predicts that by 2020, solar power will contribute 2% of global electricity output, climbing to 20-28% by 2040.
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