a premier annual global photovoltaic industry event
Abstract
Xinhua Finance, Shanghai, June 13 (Reporter Chen Biqi) – The 18th International Solar Photovoltaic and Smart Energy & Energy Storage and Battery Technology and Equipment (Shanghai) Conference and Exhibition (SNEC 2025), a premier annual global photovoltaic industry event, concluded in Shanghai on the 13th. This year's exhibition brought together over 3,000 exhibitors worldwide, covering a display area of 380,000 square meters. It showcased the entire industrial chain, including photovoltaic production equipment, high-efficiency cell technologies, energy storage systems, and smart energy solutions, injecting robust momentum into global energy transition efforts.
Technological Highlights
The exhibition focused on three key areas:
- More Efficient Photovoltaic Technologies – Mass-produced TOPCon, HJT, and perovskite tandem cells achieved a conversion efficiency exceeding 26%. Many companies showcased all-black modules, intelligent tracking mounts, and Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) solutions.
- Smart Energy Storage Systems – Long-duration liquid-cooled storage cabinets, integrated solar-storage-charging stations, and smart home energy management systems achieved full-scenario coverage, with energy storage battery density surpassing 400Wh/kg.
- Energy Digitalization – AI-driven PV plant operation platforms, virtual power plant dispatch systems, and blockchain-based green power trading platforms emerged as focal points in smart energy innovation.
Major Collaborations & Initiatives
At the opening ceremony, the Sarawak State Government of Malaysia signed a memorandum of understanding with Shanghai Electric and China Three Gorges International for a 1,000 MW floating solar project, marking a critical step in Southeast Asia’s renewable energy hub development.
Nearly 20 leading organizations and companies, including GCL Group, Ant Digital Technologies, JA Solar, JinkoSolar, Canadian Solar, and Suzhou Energy, jointly launched the Global Green Carbon Chain Alliance, demonstrating the industry’s firm commitment to zero-carbon transformation.
Additionally, the Asia-Pacific New Energy Industry Association and the European Energy Storage Association co-initiated the Global Energy Storage & Battery Council, injecting strong momentum into worldwide collaboration and development in the sector.
Industry Insights from Leaders
Gao Jifan, Honorary Chairman of the China Photovoltaic Industry Association and Chairman & CEO of Trina Solar, emphasized in his keynote speech that debates over TOPCon, BC, and HJT technologies are counterproductive and may lead to overcapacity. Instead, perovskite tandem cell technology is poised to usher in a new era for the industry.
Addressing the current industry cycle, Gao proposed that innovation—spanning industrial, product, technological, and business models—is the key to navigating market fluctuations. He also called for stronger industry consolidation, stricter capacity control, and enhanced intellectual property (IP) protection:
- "The silicon material sector has already begun major consolidation. The mid-to-downstream segments—crystal pulling, wafer slicing, cells, and modules—will follow. This is not a minor adjustment but a transformative shift toward a more cooperative landscape."
- "All stakeholders must work together to strengthen IP protection, promote the application and safeguarding of PV patents, and ensure innovators and rights holders gain tangible benefits."
Parallel Forums & Recognitions
Over 20 parallel forums were held during the event, including:
- Global Green Energy Leaders Dialogue
- Global Photovoltaic Cutting-Edge Technology Conference
- Solar-Storage Integration Technology Summit
- Energy Internet Technology and Application Forum
- International Summit on New Materials in New Energy Applications
- Global Green Energy and PV Finance Summit
The exhibition also awarded the 7th "APVIA Awards" and released the "Global New Energy ESG Top 100" and "Global New Energy Brand TOP10" rankings.
Industry Outlook
Driven by dual-carbon goals, the solar-storage sector is undergoing profound restructuring. Attendees highlighted that this year’s exhibition was not just a showcase of technological advancements but also a new starting point for industry breakthroughs and collaborative innovation.