---
title: "China Prepares Export Ban on Next-Generation Solar Panel Manufacturing Technologies"
description: "China has put forward a draft ban on the export of tandem and perovskite solar cell manufacturing technologies for discussion until November 15, 2026. The restrictions will not affect finished panels, but will target the equipment and processes required for the mass production of next-generation cells."
date: 2026-10-18T09:44:07.456Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/china-export-ban-solar-panel-technologies
tags: [china, solar-energy, perovskite, tandem-cells, export-controls, photovoltaics]
author: "Roman V."
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# China Prepares Export Ban on Next-Generation Solar Panel Manufacturing Technologies

![Next-generation solar panel manufacturing line in a high-tech cleanroom of a factory](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/18/kitay-zapret-eksport-tehnologiy-solnechnyh-paneley/kitay-zapret-eksport-tehnologiy-solnechnyh-paneley-1.webp)

## Key Points

- China's Ministries of Commerce and Science proposed restricting the export of manufacturing technologies for tandem and perovskite solar cells rather than finished panels.
- Restrictions target cells over 182 mm with >30% efficiency, slot-die coating of perovskite from 1.1 m, and modules from 1 m² with 18–28% efficiency.
- The project is part of a 40-category package (including AI and biotech) open for discussion until November 15, 2026; companies must begin registering technologies.

China's Ministry of Commerce (Mofcom), together with the Ministry of Science and Technology, has submitted a draft of export restrictions for public discussion, affecting, among other things, advanced photovoltaic manufacturing technologies. A key feature of the initiative is that the restrictions apply not to finished solar panels, but specifically to the technologies and equipment used to manufacture them. According to the departments, next-generation solar cells will form the basis for the development of the aerospace and defense sectors, and their uncontrolled export would pose a threat to China's national interests. The public consultation period for the project will run until November 15, 2026.

### What Exactly is Proposed for Restriction

The project affects 12 key technological categories in the solar energy sector and is part of a broader package of 40 categories that includes, in particular, artificial intelligence and biotechnology. One of the central categories is the production of tandem solar cells, which combine a silicon layer with a perovskite layer, enabling the capture of photons across a broader spectrum and increasing cell efficiency. The sale of equipment and transfer of technology for producing cells larger than 182 mm with a light-to-electricity conversion efficiency of over 30% are proposed for prohibition or strict state control.

### Threshold Parameters and Production Stages

The project includes technologies for applying the perovskite layer using slot-die coating with a coating width of 1.1 m or more. Separate thresholds are set for large modules: an area of 1 m² or more and an efficiency of at least 18% for single-layer perovskite modules, or at least 28% for tandem ones. The restrictions also cover intermediate production stages: the production of trichlorosilane by cold hydrogenation in a fluidized bed at lines with a capacity of 250,000 tons per year or more, and the production of silane in a fluidized bed with a capacity of 20,000 tons per year or more. These are intermediate substances required for the mass production of polysilicon. The list also includes technologies for manufacturing silicon wafers no thicker than 70 µm, certain methods for edge passivation of thin cells, the design of polysilicon production facilities, and processes for manufacturing back-contact and heterojunction cells.

### Status and Implications for the Global Market

Formally, the export ban on the listed technologies has not yet been introduced—the document is in the discussion stage. At the same time, related companies are already required to begin registering relevant products and technologies on the responsible ministries' websites. Once the restrictions take effect, advanced products will continue to flow to the global market, but buyers will become completely dependent on Chinese suppliers, which is estimated to slow down the development of promising photovoltaic areas outside of China. Thus, the initiative does not block trade in finished panels, but significantly raises the technological barrier for independent production of next-generation solar cells in other countries.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Китай готовит запрет на экспорт технологий производства солнечных панелей нового поколения window-new](https://3dnews.ru/1150080/kitay-gotovit-zapret-na-eksport-tehnologiy-proizvodstva-solnechnih-paneley-novogo-pokoleniya) - Source: threshold details (182 mm, 30%, slot-die 1.1 m, 1 m²/18%/28%, trichlorosilane 250,000 t/year, silane 20,000 t/year, wafers ≤70 µm), 12 solar energy categories, 40 total categories, discussion deadline until 15.11.2026, registration obligation.
- [Китай готовит новые запреты на экспорт 14 «чувствительных» технологий](https://rossaprimavera.ru/news/a80ba617) - Context: project published jointly by Mofcom and the Ministry of Science, covering AI, cell/gene therapy, and solar modules; a total of 14 + 26 technologies from three sectors (40 in total), according to SCMP on October 16.

## FAQ

### Will China ban the sale of solar panels?

No. The restrictions apply to technologies and equipment for manufacturing cells, not finished products. Advanced panels will continue to be supplied to the market.

### When will the ban take effect?

Formally, the ban has not yet been introduced. The public consultation period for the project runs until November 15, 2026.

### What solar cell parameters are subject to restrictions?

Among others — tandem cells larger than 182 mm with >30% efficiency, perovskite slot-die coating with a width of 1.1 m or more, modules with an area of 1 m² or more and efficiency from 18% (single-layer) or 28% (tandem), as well as technologies for producing trichlorosilane and silane in a fluidized bed and manufacturing thin silicon wafers.