China has called for restricted solar-manufacturing technology exports export especially on 12 technologies commonly employed to make solar equipment due to national security concerns, as part of a wider revision that also encompasses AI and biotechnology.
The commerce ministry said it suggested adding photovoltaic technologies to the export-control list of China on October 16, 2026, saying more oversight was needed as solar technologies are becoming more prevalent in sensitive areas such as aerospace and national defence, according to a statement.
Chinese officials have held early talks with manufacturers over possible restrictions on advanced solar manufacturing technologies. Reuters reported in April 2026 a move that could jeopardise plans by US companies, including Tesla, to expand manufacturing capacity in the US.
Reuters reported that Beijing has also restricted solar-manufacturing technology exports to India. Analysts say China is looking to preserve its dominance as India attempts to build up domestic manufacturing and break free from dependence on China.
The export curbs are to protect against the potential hazards of technologies running out of control or getting improperly disseminated, while keeping up with normal global exchanges and cooperation in both science and technology, the ministry said.
The export-control catalogue is to be formally updated and, until then, exporters must register specific overseas technology transfers. The consultation on the proposal ends on November 15, 2026.
China would prohibit technologies for manufacturing certain thin wafers, perovskite, as well as tandem solar cells and large-scale fluidised-bed polysilicon production technologies.
Perovskite is a new technology that can achieve higher efficiency in conversion. Tandem cells use coatings of perovskite and silicon to absorb far more of the sunlight spectrum.
Polysilicon, which is a critical component for solar panels, can be generated using fluidised-bed technology, a process that is both cheaper and makes use of less energy compared to the predominant Siemens process.
China will also restrict, not ban, exports of advanced solar cell-making technologies, like TOPCon and HJT, along with XBC.