Key Findings
China has proposed adding 12 photovoltaic technologies to its Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited or Restricted from Export. Published on Oct. 16 under Joint Announcement No. 48 of 2026, these proposals are part of a broader consultation covering 40 technologies across AI, biomedicine, and solar energy, with public consultation running until Nov. 15.
Technical Details
The proposed export bans specifically target manufacturing technologies and equipment for the following:
- Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells based on wafers of at least 182 mm with conversion efficiencies of 30% or higher.
- Perovskite slot-die coating processes with widths of at least 1.1 meters.
- Single-junction perovskite modules of at least 1 square meter with efficiencies of 18% or higher, and tandem modules of the same area with efficiencies of at least 28%.
- Trichlorosilane production via cold-hydrogenation fluidized-bed processes (annual single-line capacity ≥ 250,000 metric tons) and silane-based fluidized-bed processes (annual capacity ≥ 20,000 metric tons).
- Silicon wafers no thicker than 70 micrometers and specific edge-passivation technologies for thin crystalline-silicon cells.
Additionally, the “restricted-export” category includes polysilicon plant engineering for lines with annual capacities of at least 30,000 metric tons, advanced crystal-pulling, and wafer-cutting processes. High-performance manufacturing for TOPCon, back-contact (BC), and heterojunction (HJT) cells—including deposition, passivation, diffusion, and metallization—are also listed. HJT provisions specifically include p-type technologies evaluated under air mass zero (AM0) conditions for space applications.
Background & Context
The Ministry of Commerce cited national security concerns, noting that PV technologies are increasingly used in defense and aerospace. While finished modules are not targeted, the controls apply to intellectual property transfers, licensing, and equipment exports. An interim registration requirement for these technologies took effect on Oct. 16.
Significance & Outlook
If adopted, these controls may reinforce China’s dominance in advanced PV manufacturing by slowing the ability of overseas manufacturers to close the technological gap. However, the measures could also complicate the international expansion of Chinese firms and increase trade tensions.
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