China’s MIIT has clarified how manufacturers should apply the five mandatory PV standards to be enforced from 2027
The guidance sets different treatment for export products, but these must meet the standards when sold domestically
MIIT has also detailed requirements for energy-use calculations, module testing, measurement traceability, and QR codes on labels
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has released guidance on five mandatory national standards covering the solar PV industry. It explains the requirements manufacturers must meet and the procedures they must follow to demonstrate compliance.
The guidance covers which products can be sold domestically, how export products will be treated, and how manufacturers should handle products and contracts spanning the transition period.
For background, China is set to enforce revised national energy efficiency standards covering key stages and products across the PV supply chain, from polysilicon and monocrystalline silicon to PV modules and inverters, starting January 1, 2027 (see China Tightens Energy Standards For Solar Manufacturing).
Issued by the ministry on September 7, 2026, the frequently asked questions (FAQ) document covers the mandatory PV standards. While GB 29447-2026, GB 47835-2026, and GB 47834-2026 relate to the energy-consumption requirements for polysilicon, monocrystalline silicon, PV modules, and inverter efficiency requirements, GB 47739-2026 and GB 47740-2026 cover module safety and nameplate-marking requirements.
While the government says it aims to fill a gap in the country’s energy efficiency standards for the solar PV industry and align them with relevant international standards, it is believed these standards may accelerate the retirement of inefficient production capacity.
The MIIT describes the standards as important technical tools for regulating market competition and supporting production-capacity management in the PV industry.
One key clarification from the ministry concerns products that do not meet the mandatory standards. MIIT says products within the scope of the standards must comply with the applicable requirements. Under Article 25 of China’s Standards Law, products that do not meet mandatory standards cannot be produced, sold, imported, or provided for distributed projects as well as large-scale projects.
This requirement, however, is not binding for products meant for export markets. If such products are redirected to domestic sales, the mandatory standard requirements will apply. Exemption also applies to products used for research, testing, certification samples, direct maintenance of installed PV plants, or meant for commercial display without being sold in the market.
Once the standards take effect in 2027, products must comply with the mandatory standards in force, regardless of when they were manufactured.
The ministry advises companies to use the transition period to ‘rationally arrange production’ and clear existing inventory. The same principle applies to long-term contracts signed before the implementation of the standards.
Companies are advised to review existing stocks and long-term orders, complete payments ahead of time where appropriate, and communicate with customers about contracts that cross the implementation date. MIIT recommends negotiating changes to technical terms where necessary.
The ministry also provides guidance on calculating silicon wafer energy consumption. It separates wafer output into full-wafer and half-wafer comparable yields and explains how conversion factors are applied.
It also clarifies that energy consumption calculations cover production-related departments and units, including offices, operations rooms, and changing rooms. Cafeterias, break rooms, and staff dormitories are also included in the comprehensive energy-consumption calculation.
The document addresses mechanical-load testing for PV modules. It states that the test load should be based on the design load and the applicable safety factor. For example, where the design load is 2,400 Pa, the test load should be at least 3,600 Pa at the minimum safety factor.
MIIT also explains how to verify rated power on a module nameplate. Before leaving the factory, modules are to be tested under standard test conditions. For crystalline-silicon modules above 250 W, the MIIT clarifies that the difference between measured maximum power and rated power should not exceed 5 W. For modules of 250 W or below, the permitted deviation is linked to the rated power.
The FAQs further say that measurement traceability requirements are unified between the nameplate-marking and energy-efficiency standards. For PV module measurements, it points to the JJF unified traceability system.
MIIT said that the nameplate-marking and energy-efficiency standards will use the same measurement system. This will enable consistent, comparable PV module test results and ensure traceability across laboratories and manufacturers.
The guidance also addresses the QR codes required on module labels. MIIT says the QR-code link must remain normally accessible throughout the module's expected service life. If the link becomes invalid, it will be considered a non-compliant QR-code link, with the manufacturer responsible for maintaining it.
On testing frequency, MIIT says the efficiency standard does not require every production batch to undergo coupling environmental-load reduction testing. Companies can determine the frequency in-house as long as they ensure that the products meet the mandatory standards.
The standards listed in the FAQ are scheduled to take effect in stages. The energy consumption standards for polysilicon and monocrystalline silicon products, along with the efficiency standard for crystalline-silicon PV modules and inverters, are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. The mandatory standards covering PV module safety and nameplate marking will take effect on June 1, 2027.
