Chinese PV Industry Brief: Daqo expands beyond polysilicon

Daqo New Energy has disclosed that its subsidiary, Daqo Energy Technology (Shanghai), has signed an investment agreement with the Kunshan Economic and Technological Development Zone Administrative Committee. Under the agreement, the company will establish a project entity to develop a smart energy systems manufacturing base with a total investment of CNY 6 billion ($835 million). The polysilicon manufacturer said the facility will focus on the research, manufacturing and commercialization of integrated smart energy solutions and related equipment, including energy storage systems, solid-state transformers, solid-state circuit breakers and solid-state batteries. It is intended to support next-generation power distribution and smart energy integration systems for AI data centers (AIDCs).

The Silicon Industry Branch of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIMA), meanwhile, reported that polysilicon prices continued to decline. N-type recharging polysilicon traded at CNY 33,000–34,000/ton ($4,590–4,730/ton), with an average transaction price of CNY 33,900/ton, down 2.31% week on week. N-type granular silicon traded at CNY 33,000–34,000/ton, with an average price of CNY 33,500/ton, down 1.47% week on week. The association aslo reported stable wafer prices across all major product categories. Average transaction prices remained unchanged at CNY 0.93 per piece for n-type G10L wafers (182 mm × 183.75 mm, 130 μm), CNY 1.00 per piece for n-type G12R wafers (182 mm × 210 mm, 130 μm), and CNY 1.17 per piece for n-type G12 wafers (210 mm × 210 mm, 130 μm).

China General Nuclear Power New Energy (CGN New Energy) has released the shortlist for its 2026 framework procurement of PV modules. Selected bidders include TCL Zhonghuan, Gokin Solar, JA Solar, JinkoSolar, GCL System Integration, Yingli Energy and Astronergy. Bid prices ranged from CNY 0.742/W to CNY 0.770/W (USD 0.103/W–0.107/W). The tender comprises two procurement packages covering seven lots in total, each with a capacity of 1.2 GW, representing an aggregate procurement volume of 8.4 GW. Framework agreements will be valid for one year from the date of contract signing.