China has introduced mandatory national standards tightening energy consumption and efficiency requirements across the PV value chain, from polysilicon to modules and inverters. The rules, effective Jan. 1, 2027, are expected to reshape manufacturing, procurement and project selection toward higher-efficiency, lower-energy-intensity products.
China has published three mandatory national standards on energy consumption and energy efficiency in the photovoltaic sector, establishing a new compliance framework covering polysilicon, silicon wafers, PV modules and inverters.
The standards were released on June 27, 2026, and will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. The standards are designated GB 29447-2026, “Norm of energy consumption per unit products of silicon polycrystalline and germanium”; GB 47835-2026, “Norm of energy consumption per unit products of monocrystalline silicon”; and GB 47834-2026, “Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules and inverters.”
Unlike previously discussed recommended product grading standards, the GB standards are mandatory. They set binding limits for energy consumption and efficiency across key manufacturing and product categories and are expected to influence production, sales, imports, public procurement and project tendering once implemented.
