The photovoltaic industry is intensifying its efforts to combat internal competition, with innovation emerging as a crucial factor for overcoming challenges. During the 19th China International Forum on New Energy held from September 17 to September 18, leaders from several major companies emphasized that addressing the issue of internal competition in renewable energy development hinges on collaborative efforts from both supply and demand sides. They advocate for the integration of technological innovation, product innovation, and application innovation to break through barriers and achieve mutual benefits through cooperation.
The global energy landscape is undergoing profound changes, with a shared global consensus on addressing climate change and promoting energy transition. In this context, photovoltaic technology, characterized by its maturity, rapid cost reduction, and vast commercialization potential, is accelerating its shift from a supplementary energy source to a primary one. According to the latest report from the International Energy Agency, global investments in clean energy are projected to reach $3.3 trillion by 2025, with utility-scale and distributed photovoltaic investments accounting for approximately $450 billion, making it the largest single energy technology by investment scale worldwide.
China’s photovoltaic industry has developed a comprehensive value chain encompassing raw materials, equipment, manufacturing, and applications over the years, maintaining a leading position in the global market share. As of the end of July 2025, the national installed capacity for solar power reached 1.111 billion kilowatts, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 50.8%. However, the rapid expansion of the industry has also led to issues of internal competition. In the first half of this year, many domestic photovoltaic manufacturing companies faced losses.
Since July, as the industry amplifies its efforts to combat internal competition, a consensus has emerged regarding the necessity and urgency of these actions. Leading companies are progressively reducing production, and the effects are becoming apparent. As a barometer of the photovoltaic sector, silicon material prices rebounded first after July, with futures prices in the silicon market climbing quickly, strengthening the spot market. The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association’s Silicon Branch reported that by the end of July, the spot prices for polysilicon and industrial silicon rose to 47,100 yuan/ton and 9,378 yuan/ton, respectively, marking increases of 36.9% and 7.26%.
As of September 17, the latest data indicates that the transaction price range for n-type polysilicon is between 51,000 yuan/ton and 55,000 yuan/ton, with an average transaction price of 53,200 yuan/ton, reflecting an increase of 8.57% compared to the previous period. The price range for n-type granular silicon stands between 49,000 yuan/ton and 50,000 yuan/ton, with an average price of 49,500 yuan/ton, up by 3.13%.
Industry experts believe that while the initial results of the efforts to combat internal competition are visible, further collaborative actions are necessary for the photovoltaic industry to return to a healthy and sustainable development cycle. Zhong Baoshen, president of the China Renewable Energy Industry Association and chairman of LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd., stated that solving the internal competition issue in renewable energy development requires coordinated efforts from both supply and demand sides. The supply side needs tailored strategies to promote innovation in critical areas, while the demand side should continuously explore new application scenarios and build a new value system.
He noted that over the past decade, the photovoltaic industry has achieved a cost reduction of over 90% through technological advancements, transitioning from reliance on subsidies to market-driven growth. This shift has positioned photovoltaic technology as a crucial solution to the tripartite dilemma of energy security, equity, and sustainability. Currently, the sector is entering a new phase of diversified technological advancements, and continuous breakthroughs are essential to maintain a competitive edge in the global energy landscape.
Xu Xiaohua, chairman of Huasheng New Energy, expressed that the rapid development and intense competition within the domestic renewable energy sector necessitate adjustments in development models and macro-control to optimize capacity and ensure the survival of enterprises. Wang Qisui, executive president of Guoxuan High-Tech, also emphasized the need to combine technological, product, and application innovations to forge a path forward through innovation and collaborative efforts. Yu Zhuyun, chairman of China Silicon Corporation, highlighted that if the manufacturing sector is highly competitive, then meticulous management of the application sector is essential to secure market share.
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