New rule in China: solar panels must have a minimum efficiency of 23,2% and at least 630W. 

Starting January 1, 2027, China will require that photovoltaic modules sold in the country meet new minimum energy efficiency requirements. In practice, equipment with a power output of less than 630 W (in the industry standard format) will no longer be eligible for the market.

These measures are part of a set of three mandatory national standards on energy consumption and efficiency for the photovoltaic sector, published at the end of June 2026:

• GB 47834-2026: Limit values ​​and efficiency classes for modules and inverters.
• GB 47835-2026: Energy consumption limits for monocrystalline silicon.
• GB 29447-2026: Energy consumption limits for polysilicon and germanium.

New efficiency requirements for modules

The standards establish a three-level efficiency classification. Level 1 represents the highest performance, while Level 3 becomes the minimum requirement for market access.

The new minimum efficiency parameters by technology are:

• TOPCon and HJT: Minimum efficiency of 23,2% (minimum bifaciality of 75% for TOPCon and 85% for HJT).
• BC (Back Contact): Minimum efficiency of 23,5% (minimum bifaciality of 70%).

Considering the standard size of 1.134 mm × 2.382 mm, these figures equate to a minimum nominal power of 630 W. Furthermore, the maximum rate of stress-induced environmental degradation was limited to 8,6%.

Inverters and polysilicon

Photovoltaic inverters are also now classified into three energy efficiency levels. Standards approved by China establish mandatory minimum requirements for the weighted average efficiency and maximum conversion efficiency of grid-connected inverters.

The new rules also establish energy consumption limits for polysilicon production. For those produced using the trichlorosilane-based process, the maximum limit will be 6,4 kgce/kg, below the current industry average of 7,05 kgce/kg.

For fluidized bed silane, the limit was set at 5 kgce/kg, compared to the current average of 4,55 kgce/kg. With the regulations expected to come into effect in January 2027, manufacturers throughout the supply chain will have to adapt their production processes and products to the new requirements.

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