Global Insights on Solar Energy Storage: Addressing Challenges for Chinese Enterprises in International Markets at the 2025 Solar Storage Industry Experience Sharing Conference in Zhejiang

Global Discussion on the New Landscape of Solar Energy Storage: Overcoming Challenges for Chinese Enterprises Going Abroad! The 2025 Solar Energy Storage Industry Experience Sharing Conference was successfully held in Zhejiang.

On April 17, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, hosted a significant event focusing on the solar energy storage industry. The conference, organized by the Zhejiang Solar Photovoltaic Industry Association and the National Energy Research Institute, with support from International Energy Network, Photovoltaic Headlines, and Energy Storage Headlines, officially commenced.

This event centered around the theme of regional solar energy storage industry development under the global carbon neutrality goal. It brought together elites from academia, industry, and investment institutions to conduct in-depth analyses of the opportunities and challenges within the overseas solar energy storage market through keynote speeches and closed-door discussions, creating a high-level platform for experience exchange and cooperation.

The conference was hosted by Zhang Fulong, President of the International Energy Network and Director of the National Energy Research Institute. Notable speakers included He Jijiang, Executive Deputy Director of the Energy Transition and Social Development Research Center at Tsinghua University, Peng Peng, Secretary-General of the China New Energy Power Investment and Financing Alliance, and various executives from leading companies in the solar energy field.

During the closed-door discussions, many frontline enterprises and expatriates actively participated, sharing the latest overseas market solutions and success stories in solar energy storage. Compared to the domestic market, the overseas market exhibits a more diversified demand. The complexities of environmental challenges and differing policy frameworks require solar storage companies to develop systematic solutions focusing on technological innovation, localization strategies, and ecological collaboration to break market barriers and achieve sustainable growth.

Shen Fuxin, Secretary-General of the Zhejiang Solar Photovoltaic Industry Association, noted that Chinese enterprises have accumulated successful solar energy storage solutions for overseas markets in recent years. In the European market, lightweight balcony solar products have emerged, featuring easy plug-and-play designs with micro-inverters, catering to consumer preferences for convenience and environmentally friendly energy.

In terms of storage solutions, high energy density and modular lithium battery systems not only store excess solar power but also enable intelligent charging and discharging control, optimizing electricity costs during peak and off-peak periods, thus providing tangible economic benefits to users. In regions like Africa and Southeast Asia, where grid stability is poor, off-grid products introduced by domestic companies have effectively addressed local power supply issues, resulting in numerous orders.

Experts and representatives engaged in lively discussions regarding the successful experiences in overseas markets, focusing on technology, strategy, ecology, and management aspects. They emphasized that technological innovation is essential for expanding into overseas markets. The current overseas market is evolving from standardized products to customized, scenario-based system solutions to meet the core demand for stable electricity supply in emerging markets. The integration of advanced technologies such as digitalization, AI, IoT, and blockchain provides strong support for rapid responses to market changes and improved service quality.

Successful entry into overseas markets requires deep localization. Companies must establish a “one country, one policy” database to dynamically track policy changes related to carbon tariffs, green certificate trading, and grid access in target markets. Moreover, collaboration with local enterprises, communities, and financial institutions is crucial.

Industry chain collaboration is also necessary for expanding into overseas markets. The trend has shifted from merely exporting equipment to a collaborative ecosystem of “technology + finance + services”. Upstream and downstream enterprises within the industry chain can enhance overall competitiveness by working together to provide seamless connections in equipment supply, project contracting, and operation services, while financial institutions innovate tools such as green bonds and multilateral development bank financing to support projects throughout their lifecycle. This “industry-capital” interaction model can facilitate the rapid deployment of solar energy storage projects.

Looking ahead, the dual drive of global carbon neutrality goals and energy structure transformation is accelerating the transition of the solar energy storage industry from regional to global. Chinese solar energy storage companies, leveraging their technological, cost, and industrial chain advantages, are becoming significant players in the global energy transition.

However, the increasingly saturated domestic market and the reshaping of international competition compel enterprises to focus on overseas opportunities. The consensus among participants was clear: “If you don’t go abroad, you will be out of the game.” While the future global solar energy storage market presents both opportunities and challenges, rising trade protectionism poses a primary challenge. Some countries frequently impose trade barriers and high tariffs on Chinese solar energy storage products, complicating market entry and increasing costs.

Differences in policy regulations, technical standards, and certification systems across various countries and regions require companies to invest significant time and resources to understand and meet these demands. Failure to do so could result in market entry obstacles or non-compliance risks. Additionally, overseas projects often face lengthy construction periods, complex financing environments, and varying cultural and business practices, complicating project management and increasing uncertainties, potentially leading to delays and cost overruns. Fluctuations in exchange rates can also impact overseas revenues and profits, leading to foreign exchange losses.

Despite these challenges, participants generally agreed that the solar energy storage industry would continue its rapid growth amid the global push for carbon neutrality. The overseas market presents more opportunities than challenges for domestic enterprises, providing various solutions to overcome difficulties.

The conference concluded successfully with vibrant discussions and exchanges of viewpoints. The expansion of the solar energy storage industry abroad not only concerns corporate business interests but also represents China’s commitment to participating in global energy governance and promoting a green and equitable transition. The success of this venture will significantly impact the future direction of China’s solar energy storage industry, necessitating collaboration among the government, enterprises, research institutions, and media. The International Energy Network is eager to partner with ambitious solar energy storage enterprises to embark on a new journey in the global landscape, creating a bright future together.