China mandates new solar efficiency standards from January 2027
China has published three mandatory national standards on energy consumption and energy efficiency for the photovoltaic (PV) sector, establishing a new compliance framework covering polysilicon, silicon wafers, PV modules and inverters. The standards, GB 29447-2026, GB 47835-2026 and GB 47834-2026, were released on June 27, 2026, and will come into effect on January 1, 2027.
Unlike earlier recommended product grading standards, the new GB standards are mandatory and set binding limits for energy consumption and efficiency across key manufacturing processes and product categories.
Key provisions
GB 29447-2026 introduces tighter unit energy consumption limits for trichlorosilane-based polysilicon and silane fluidized-bed production. Industry analysts expect operational polysilicon capacity to decline from 2.87 million tonnes to 2.4 million tonnes, a reduction of 16.4%, as non-compliant production lines are phased out.
GB 47835-2026 sets energy consumption limits for monocrystalline silicon ingot pulling and wafer manufacturing. The standard is expected to affect older crystal-pulling furnaces and less-efficient wafer production processes.
GB 47834-2026 establishes three energy efficiency grades for PV modules. The minimum Grade 3 efficiency thresholds are approximately 23.2% for TOPCon and heterojunction (HJT) modules and 23.5% for back-contact (BC) modules. For the standard 1134 mm × 2382 mm module format, this corresponds to a minimum rated power of 630 W. The standard also specifies minimum bifaciality levels of 75% for TOPCon, 85% for HJT and 70% for BC modules.
For inverters, the standard sets minimum weighted average efficiency and maximum conversion efficiency requirements, which are expected to accelerate the replacement of lower-efficiency products.
Implications for India
The standards could have different implications for the Indian solar industry before and after their implementation. Through 2026, Chinese manufacturers may accelerate inventory liquidation and production from facilities that will become non-compliant from January 2027, potentially keeping imported cell, wafer and module prices lower for Indian buyers and domestic module manufacturers that rely on Chinese upstream supplies.
From 2027, stricter compliance requirements could reduce excess manufacturing capacity in China and strengthen pricing for polysilicon and wafers. The mandatory efficiency threshold of at least 630 W and 23.2% for Chinese modules may also establish a higher global benchmark, increasing competitive pressure on Indian manufacturers in export markets.
