Energy China has shortlisted 23 manufacturers for its 2026 centralized procurement of 15 GW of solar modules, including LONGi, Tongwei, JinkoSolar, JA Solar and Trina Solar. The tender covers 10.7 GW of tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules, 1 GW of heterojunction (HJT) modules and 3.3 GW of back-contact (BC) modules. Shortlisted bids range from CNY 0.695 ($0.102)/W to CNY 0.779/W. The announcement identifies shortlisted bidders, with final contract awards yet to be confirmed.

JinkoSolar said it is among the first manufacturers to secure certification under two mandatory Chinese national standards: GB 47739-2026, covering PV module safety requirements, and GB 47740-2026, covering PV module nameplate and marking requirements. The certifications were issued by the China Quality Certification Centre (CQC) and China General Certification Center (CGC). The standards introduce stricter requirements for module safety, labeling and manufacturing consistency.

Trina Solar and Intel showcased an integrated energy and computing solution for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers at the ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai. Trina Solar presented grid-forming battery energy storage systems, AI-driven energy dispatch technology and an 800 V high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) power supply solution. The companies launched a pilot project in September to coordinate energy supply and computing operations. The collaboration is part of Trina Solar’s expansion into energy infrastructure solutions for AI data centers.

Drinda has canceled plans to build a 5 GW solar cell manufacturing facility in Oman, citing escalating international trade tensions, geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and changes to China’s PV technology export policies. The Chinese solar cell manufacturer said the developments had undermined the project’s viability. Drinda signed a letter of intent with the Oman Investment Authority in June 2024 to develop a 10 GW TOPCon cell manufacturing facility with an estimated investment of $700 million. The project was originally planned in two 5 GW phases.

GCL System Integration (GCL SI) has secured a module supply contract for a 1 GW solar project developed by Xinjiang Xingqihang New Energy in Wusu, Xinjiang region. The contract covers approximately 776,840 modules rated at 710 W each, representing about 551.6 MW of DC capacity. Final delivery volumes will depend on project implementation. The agreement also includes transportation, installation guidance, technical support and after-sales services.

TrendForce said China’s polysilicon inventories remained above 570,000 metric tons, while domestic production was expected to fall to approximately 95,000 metric tons in November. Despite further production cuts, polysilicon supply continues to slightly exceed demand from downstream ingot producers. Wafer inventories stood at around 27 GW, while average prices for 183 mm wafers fell to CNY 0.95 ($0.14) per piece. Weak module orders and persistent oversupply continue to put downward pressure on prices across the PV supply chain.