Solar 101
Couleenergy May 16, 2025
SNEC 2026 and Intersolar Europe: What Back-Contact Solar’s Breakout Year Means for Buyers
Back-contact solar stopped being a niche technology in 2026, but cell supply still runs through just two companies. This guide breaks down current BC manufacturing capacity, the M10-to-G12R wafer shift, and where flexible ETFE modules fit, so you can plan sourcing instead of guessing at it.
Back-contact (BC) solar technology stopped being a “someday” technology in 2026. It now shows up on premium rooftops, commercial buildings, and curved, custom surfaces around the world. Two questions still trip up buyers, though. Can you actually source BC cells in volume? And where does flexible ETFE construction fit into the picture?
This guide answers both. It pulls from the latest data out of SNEC 2026 and Intersolar Europe 2026, current manufacturing capacity figures, and the practical realities of sourcing custom BC modules. No price quotes, no fluff. Just what a buyer, engineer, or installer needs to plan the next 12 months.
Quick answer: BC technology now covers a real share of premium solar shipments, led almost entirely by LONGi and AIKO. Cell supply outside their own factories stays tight, so new buyers should plan for several months of lead time on firm allocation. The wafer market is shifting from square M10 (182 × 182 mm) toward rectangular G12R/210R (182 × 210 mm). For flexible ETFE BC modules, supply planning matters even more, since order volumes are smaller and customization adds time.
What Makes Back-Contact (BC) Cells Different
A standard solar cell has metal grid lines and busbars running across its front. BC cells move every electrical contact to the rear. Nothing sits on the front surface to block sunlight.[1]
That single design change does three things. It frees up more cell area to absorb light. It removes the visible silver lines, giving an all-black look. And independent testing backs the efficiency claims: Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE has certified a 25.4% module efficiency world record on a BC design, and a 2025 industry white paper co-authored by LONGi, AIKO, TÜV Rheinland, and Chinese national certification bodies confirms mass-production BC cell efficiency has passed 27% — several points above mainstream front-contact cells.[2]
You will see several brand names for the same underlying idea. LONGi calls its version HPBC. AIKO calls its version ABC, for “All Back Contact.” Engineers often use the general terms IBC or HIBC. They all describe cells with rear-side contacts.
BC Manufacturing Capacity in 2026: Who Is Actually Producing at Scale
Headlines make BC sound like it is everywhere. In reality, two companies dominate true commercial-scale output.
LONGi leads on raw volume. Stage 1 of its Xixian New Area BC cell project recently passed environmental acceptance, with 6.25 GW of capacity already built toward a 12.5 GW Phase I target. Mass-production cell efficiency has reached 27%, third-party verified, while module-level mass-production efficiency sits at 24.8% — mainstream modules now ship at 650–670 W, peaking at 680 W. LONGi shipped 8.34 GW of BC modules in the first quarter of 2026 alone. Out of an annual target near 80 GW, the company expects BC modules to make up more than 65% of total shipments this year, or over 52 GW.[3]
AIKO leads on efficiency and growth rate. Its core ABC lines run at 10 GW in Zhuhai and 15 GW in Yiwu, with a newer Jinan base adding module and cell capacity through 2026.[4] On top of that base, AIKO is converting roughly 11 GW of existing PERC and TOPCon cell capacity at Yiwu and Chuzhou into ABC lines, with output ramping through the second half of 2026.[4] Shipments jumped from roughly 700 MW in 2023 to 6.3 GW in 2024 and 14.7 GW in 2025, with 2026 plans targeting over 20 GW. AIKO’s ABC modules now hold more than 21% of Europe’s residential solar market and back over 19 GW in utility-scale project awards.[5] Demand is already running ahead of near-term allocation: as of its Q1 2026 earnings briefing in May, AIKO’s module orders on hand exceeded 10 GW.[6]
Other names are entering the space. TCL Zhonghuan, Skyworth PV, and SolarSpace all showed BC platforms at SNEC 2026.[7] Yingfa Ruineng remains the only specialized, independent merchant exporter of BC cells, operating under a 6 GW supply cooperation with LONGi.[8]
Despite this activity, one widely cited statistic makes BC look like a rounding error: InfoLink puts BC at only about 1.7% of 2025 shipments among the world’s top five merchant cell suppliers.[8] That number is accurate but easy to misread. It covers companies that sell bare cells on the open market — and it excludes LONGi entirely, since LONGi consumes almost all of its own cells internally rather than selling them. AIKO runs into the same blind spot on the module side: InfoLink’s own 2025 module-shipment ranking states plainly that, because AIKO and the major HJT suppliers aren’t part of that ranking, the published figures don’t fully capture BC’s or HJT’s true global market share.[15] The honest picture: BC is a small share of the open, merchant cell-trading market, but a large and fast-growing share of the vertically integrated module market, where LONGi and AIKO together are targeting more than 70 GW of BC module shipments in 2026 alone.
| Manufacturer | BC Brand | 2026 Position | Standout Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| LONGi | HPBC 2.0 | Targeting 52+ GW BC shipments | Largest scale, 27% mass-production cell efficiency |
| AIKO | ABC | Targeting 20+ GW shipments | Fastest efficiency gains, silver-free cell line |
| Yingfa Ruineng | BC cells (merchant) | Smaller but independent | Only meaningful arms-length cell exporter |
| TCL Zhonghuan / Skyworth / SolarSpace | Various new platforms | Early-stage in 2026 | Worth watching for 2027 ramp-up |
SNEC 2026 and Intersolar Europe 2026: What Buyers Should Take Away
Both shows confirmed the same story from different angles: BC has moved from a display piece to a real competitive threat in premium segments.[7]
A few highlights stood out:
- • AIKO unveiled its fourth-generation INFINITE ULTRA module, reaching 690 W and 25.6% module efficiency — independently confirmed by pv magazine, which also reported 3.75 GW of orders booked in the first two days of SNEC 2026. AIKO also launched its Z series, a 500 W premium residential ABC module carrying a 40-year product and performance warranty.[9]
- • Skyworth PV showed an 825 W BC module, the highest BC wattage shown publicly so far — though mainstream TOPCon reached similar territory the same week, with Astronergy launching its Astro N8 Pro series at 825 W and up to 24.5% efficiency, also at SNEC 2026.[7]
- • TCL Zhonghuan presented a BC platform exceeding 710 W and 26% efficiency.[7]
- • LONGi introduced “LONGi ONE,” a combined BC-plus-storage system, signaling that BC is becoming a platform strategy, not just a cell technology.[7]
- • AIKO demonstrated silver-free ABC modules built with copper electroplating, already shipping at gigawatt scale. This matters for buyers because it reduces exposure to silver supply and price swings, a real cost-stability concern across the whole solar industry right now.[10]
One legal development deserves special attention. Earlier in 2026, Maxeon and AIKO settled a long-running patent dispute through a multi-year licensing agreement. AIKO can now use Maxeon’s BC cell and module patents outside the United States.[11] That clears a meaningful legal cloud for buyers importing AIKO-made BC modules into Europe and most other export markets. LONGi’s HPBC architecture was developed independently and was never part of this dispute.
One thing worth watching: Maxeon itself has faced serious financial distress in 2026, including a Singapore judicial management filing tied to a separate U.S. import dispute.[11] Licensing certainty depends partly on the licensor’s own stability, so this is worth a line item in any supply-risk review even though it doesn’t undo the settlement itself.
The honest consensus from both events: a full mass-market switch away from TOPCon is not imminent. Most analysts still point to 2028, when key SunPower-originated BC patents expire, as the likely inflection point.[12] For premium residential, commercial rooftop, and BIPV/VIPV projects, though, BC is already the practical first choice today.
Why This Matters Beyond the Headlines
The real signal from these shows is not the wattage records. It is that three separate companies now price BC modules close to mainstream TOPCon levels. When a premium technology and a mainstream technology converge in cost, demand usually outpaces supply for at least one more product cycle. Expect BC allocation to feel tighter before it gets easier.
There is also a concentration risk worth naming directly. If you are not buying finished modules straight from LONGi or AIKO, you are, in practice, dependent on one supplier: Yingfa Ruineng. That is a single point of failure your own supply-risk review should flag.
The Wafer Format Shift: Should You Move From M10 to G12R?
Wafer size shapes your whole bill of materials, from frame tooling to junction boxes. The market has largely already decided where it is heading.
| Format | Size | 2026 Status | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| M10 (square) | 182 × 182 mm | Declining, increasingly limited to legacy lines | Legacy lines, some emerging markets like India and Turkey |
| M10R / near-rectangular | 182 × 183–186 mm | Transitional | Bridging product during line upgrades |
| G12R / 210R(N) | 182 × 210 mm | Fastest growing, on track to become the leading format | New BOMs, premium and BC modules |
| G12 (square) | 210 × 210 mm | Selective use | Utility-scale, ground-mount projects |
Among the world’s top five merchant cell suppliers, the 18X-N format (182-class square/near-square) still led 2025 shipments at 39.8% of the total, but the rectangular 210RN format grew from 19% of shipments in 2024 to 28.7% in 2025. InfoLink expects 210RN to keep gaining share and become the industry’s mainstream format in 2026.[8] The older 18X-N format is increasingly concentrated in markets still mid-transition, including India and Turkey.
For BC specifically, LONGi has already introduced a rectangular BC variant (the M11 size, 182.2 × 191.6 mm) sized for the standard 2382 × 1134 mm, 72-cell module footprint.[13] AIKO’s newest generations are also converging on rectangular formats. If you are speccing custom BC panels for residential (around 1800 × 1134 mm) or commercial formats, basing your design on a G12R-family cell now will future-proof your BOM.
M10-to-G12R Migration Checklist
- Confirm junction box and connector compatibility with higher per-string wattage
- Check frame extrusion tooling against the new cell and laminate dimensions
- Verify glass, backsheet, and encapsulant supplier minimum order quantities for the new size
- Re-confirm IEC 61215/61730 certification status, since a cell-format change can trigger retesting[14]
- Re-check bypass diode ratings against the new module’s higher per-string power
Why BC Cell Lead Times Stay Long
This is the part procurement teams need to plan around most carefully.
Four forces keep merchant BC cell supply tight:
- LONGi and AIKO mostly keep cells in-house. Both run close to a 1:1 cell-to-module ratio and rarely sell cells outright to third parties.[4]
- Demand regularly outpaces stock. AIKO’s own order backlog already exceeded 10 GW in early 2026, ahead of near-term capacity additions.[6]
- New capacity ramps slowly. Facilities like LONGi’s Xixian line and AIKO’s Jinan, Yiwu, and Chuzhou expansions need six to twelve months after construction to reach full yield.[3][4]
- The licensed supplier pool stays narrow. Even after the Maxeon-AIKO settlement, export-clean BC cell supply is mainly limited to AIKO, LONGi, and a small number of licensed partners.[11]
Practical guidance: budget three to five months for firm BC cell allocation outside an existing long-term agreement. Spot purchases remain difficult, and buyers with rolling volume commitments get priority.
BC Sourcing Readiness Checklist
- Confirm whether your supplier has direct allocation from LONGi/AIKO or buys through a distributor
- Verify IP licensing status for your target export market, especially the EU and US
- Offer a rolling 12-month forecast instead of a one-off order, to improve your place in the allocation queue
- Confirm wafer format (M10 vs. G12R) matches your mechanical and electrical BOM
- Request independent efficiency and yield data, not just nameplate datasheet figures
- Build a 3–5 month buffer into any new BC product launch timeline
- Keep a non-BC backup cell option (TOPCon or HJT) for time-sensitive orders
Mapping a sourcing timeline against a real allocation calendar is easier with a second set of eyes. Email Couleenergy with your target volumes and launch date, and we’ll tell you straight whether your timeline is realistic.
ETFE + BC Flexible Modules: Where the Combination Earns Its Place
Rigid glass-glass BC modules solve one set of problems. Flexible ETFE BC modules solve a different one entirely: weight, curvature, and tight installation space.
Because BC cells carry no front-side busbars, more of the cell surface stays free to capture light.[1] Paired with a lightweight ETFE front layer instead of glass, the result is a low-profile module that bends to curved or irregular surfaces without losing premium cell performance.
This combination earns its place in several specific situations:
- • RVs, boats, and mobile platforms, where weight and curvature rule out rigid glass
- • BIPV facades and curved roof sections, where appearance and load limits both matter
- • Off-grid cabins and remote installations, where transport and handling ease count
- • Disaster-response and rapid-deployment power, where portability is the priority
- • Premium light-commercial roofs with strict load limits
BC architecture is also widely associated with better partial-shade tolerance, since shadows on a busbar-free front surface affect output differently than on a conventional front-contact cell.[1] That said, real-world shading performance always depends on cell layout, bypass-diode design, and the exact type of shadow. Validate it against your specific installation rather than assuming a blanket advantage.
Installation Factors That Make or Break Performance
A premium cell cannot fix a weak installation design. Before finalizing a flexible ETFE BC design, confirm:
- Mounting method and adhesive specification
- Rear ventilation or thermal-management strategy — flush-mounted flexible modules run hotter than vented ones
- Minimum bending radius and surface curvature limits
- Cable length, exit direction, and strain relief
- Junction-box waterproofing and protection rating
- MPPT range and bypass-diode strategy, tested against realistic partial-shading scenarios
Supply Planning for ETFE BC Programs
Flexible and custom-format orders pull from the same constrained BC cell pool as rigid glass modules, but in smaller volumes. That can put custom orders lower in a supplier’s priority queue. The fix is the same forecasting discipline described above: fix your module dimensions and electrical layout early, commit to a rolling demand forecast, and agree on quality and test requirements before the first production run.
Decision Framework: Matching BC Format to Application
| Use Case | Best Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ground-mount utility projects | Mainstream TOPCon (G12/G12R) | Better availability at scale; BC supply is too tight for utility volumes today |
| Premium residential rooftop | Rigid glass-glass BC | Strong aesthetics and efficiency, with manageable lead times through module-level sourcing |
| BIPV facades and curved roofs | Flexible ETFE BC or rigid BC, depending on load | Lightweight, adaptable shape, premium appearance |
| RVs, marine, portable power | Flexible ETFE BC | Weight savings, curvature tolerance, shading resilience |
| Off-grid cabins, remote sites | Flexible or semi-rigid BC | Easier transport and handling |
| Disaster response, rapid deployment | Flexible ETFE BC | Portable, fast to install, light enough to carry |
Key Takeaways
- ✓ BC technology has crossed into mainstream territory for premium and specialty solar, but true commercial-scale supply still runs through just two companies: LONGi and AIKO.
- ✓ The widely cited “BC is only 1.7% of shipments” statistic refers to the open merchant cell market and excludes LONGi — InfoLink’s own module-ranking data confirms this doesn’t capture BC’s true footprint in the vertically integrated module market.[8][15]
- ✓ Plan for three to five months of lead time on new BC cell allocation outside a standing supply agreement.
- ✓ The wafer market is shifting fast toward rectangular G12R/210R formats. New BOMs should be designed around this format now.
- ✓ A 2026 licensing settlement between Maxeon and AIKO removed a major legal risk for buyers importing AIKO BC modules outside the United States.
- ✓ Flexible ETFE BC modules solve weight- and curvature-driven problems that rigid glass-glass modules cannot, but they draw from the same tight cell supply pool, often in smaller, lower-priority order volumes.
- ✓ Validate shading performance, thermal management, and mounting design against your actual installation. Datasheet claims rarely transfer one-to-one to the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is back-contact (BC) solar technology?
Back-contact, or BC, solar cells move all electrical contacts to the rear of the cell.[1] This removes visible grid lines from the front, opens up more light-absorbing surface, and gives modules a clean, all-black look. Common BC brands include LONGi’s HPBC and AIKO’s ABC.
Is BC solar mature enough for commercial projects in 2026?
Yes, for premium rooftop, commercial, and BIPV/VIPV projects. BC’s share of the open merchant cell market is still small, but LONGi and AIKO — the two companies that matter most for BC — both consume their own cells internally and don’t show up cleanly in that statistic.[8][15] For large utility-scale projects, mainstream TOPCon remains the more available, proven choice today.
Why are BC cell lead times longer than standard TOPCon cells?
The two leading BC producers mostly use their own cells internally, at roughly a 1:1 cell-to-module ratio, and sell very few cells to outside buyers.[4] New capacity also needs months to reach full yield. Plan for several months of lead time on any new BC order outside an existing supply agreement.
Should I switch my module BOM from M10 to G12R (210R)?
For new product designs, yes, in most cases. The rectangular G12R format grew from 19% to nearly 29% of top-supplier shipments in a single year and is on track to become the industry’s leading wafer size in 2026.[8] M10 square wafers still serve legacy production lines and some emerging markets, but new high-efficiency and BC designs are converging on G12R.
Are ETFE flexible BC panels suitable for marine or RV use?
Yes, when designed and installed correctly. Their light weight, flexibility, and busbar-free front surface suit curved and weight-sensitive applications well. Validate mounting, ventilation, and shading performance against your specific installation before finalizing a design.
Is BC solar technology legally clear for sale in Europe now?
Largely, yes. A 2026 licensing agreement between Maxeon and AIKO settled major patent disputes, giving AIKO rights to use Maxeon’s BC patents outside the United States.[11] LONGi’s BC architecture was developed independently and was not part of that dispute. Always confirm current IP and compliance status with your specific supplier before importing.
Plan Your Next BC or ETFE Flexible Module Program
BC technology is moving fast, and supply discipline now matters as much as cell efficiency specs. Whether you’re evaluating rigid BC glass-glass modules, flexible ETFE BC panels for a custom application, or planning an OEM/ODM program built around the G12R wafer shift, getting the sourcing strategy right from day one saves months later.
For project-specific guidance on BC and ETFE flexible module sourcing, cell allocation planning, or custom OEM configurations, reach out to Couleenergy directly.
Footnotes
[1] Rear-contact (back-contact) cells place both electrical contacts on the back of the cell, eliminating front-side shading losses — the foundational technical definition of the architecture. Source: PVEducation.org (Arizona State University), “Rear Contact Solar Cells.” https://www.pveducation.org/pvcdrom/manufacturing-si-cells/rear-contact-solar-cells
[2] Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE independently certified a 25.4% crystalline-silicon module efficiency world record for a LONGi BC design, listed on NREL’s Champion Module Efficiency Chart. A 2025 industry white paper co-authored by LONGi, AIKO, TÜV Rheinland, the China Electricity Council, and the China General Certification Center independently confirms mass-production BC cell efficiency has surpassed 27%. Source: LONGi, “25.4% Module Efficiency: LONGi Sets New World Record.” https://eu.longi.com/press/25-4-module-efficiency-longi-sets-new-world-record
[3] LONGi’s Xixian Phase I BC cell capacity, third-party-verified mass-production cell and module efficiency, module wattage, and Q1 2026 BC shipment data. Source: EnergyTrend, “LONGi Advances High-Efficiency BC Cell Layout as Xixian Project Stage 1 Completes Environmental Acceptance,” June 2026. https://www.energytrend.com/news/20260624-51642.html
[4] AIKO’s operational BC capacity at Zhuhai and Yiwu, the Jinan base build-out, and its 1:1 cell-to-module sales policy. Source: EnergyTrend, “Aiko Solar: BC Module Shipments Planned to Exceed 20 GW Next Year,” November 2024. https://www.energytrend.com/news/20241128-48809.html — Updated with the 2026 Yiwu (+5 GW) and Chuzhou (+6 GW) ABC conversion projects per EnergyTrend, “Aiko Solar Launches Technical Upgrades at Two Major PV Cell Bases,” April 2026, https://www.energytrend.com/news/20260417-51263.html, and PV Tech, “Aiko steps up ABC transition with 11GW capacity upgrade and equipment investment,” April 2026, https://www.pv-tech.org/aiko-capacity-upgrades-abc-cell-technology/
[5] AIKO’s ABC module shipment growth (2023–2025), 2026 shipment target, European residential market share, and utility-scale project awards. Source: AIKO, “AIKO to Unveil Fourth-Generation INFINITE ULTRA at Intersolar Europe 2026.” https://aikosolar.com/en/aiko-fourth-generation-infinite-ultra-intersolar-europe-2026/
[6] AIKO’s module order backlog exceeded 10 GW as of its Q1 2026 earnings briefing in May 2026, with quarterly shipments around 4 GW. Source: EnergyTrend, “Aiko Solar and Lians Technology Announce Latest Business Updates and Technological Advancements,” May 2026. https://www.energytrend.com/news/20260518-51404.html
[7] SNEC 2026 product highlights, including AIKO, Skyworth PV, TCL Zhonghuan module specifications and LONGi’s BC-plus-storage platform. Sources: pv magazine, “SNEC 2026 wrap-up: Storage, AI and back-contact are reshaping solar,” June 2026, https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/12/snec-2026-wrap-storage-ai-and-back-contact-are-reshaping-solar/; and pv magazine, “Astronergy launches 825 W TOPCon solar module,” June 2026, https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/08/astronergy-launches-825-w-topcon-solar-module/
[8] Yingfa Ruineng’s status as the sole specialized merchant BC cell exporter, its 6 GW supply cooperation with LONGi, BC technology’s ~1.7% share of total 2025 cell shipments among the top five merchant cell manufacturers, and the wafer-format share shift (18X-N at 39.8%, 210RN growing from 19% to 28.7%) projected to continue into 2026. Source: TaiyangNews, “World’s Top 5 Solar Cell Suppliers Shipped 195 GW In 2025,” citing InfoLink Consulting, March 2026. https://taiyangnews.info/business/worlds-top-5-solar-cell-suppliers-shipped-195-gw-in-2025
[9] AIKO’s fourth-generation INFINITE ULTRA module specifications (690 W, 25.6% mass-production module efficiency, up to 26% peak), the 3.75 GW first-two-days order count, and the Z series launch (500 W, 40-year warranty), independently reported and confirmed by pv magazine alongside AIKO’s own announcement. Sources: pv magazine, “Aiko showcases 690 W back-contact solar module with 25.6% efficiency,” June 2026, https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/10/aiko-showcases-690-w-back-contact-solar-module-with-25-6-efficiency/; PV Tech, “Aiko launches ABC modules for utility-scale and residential sectors,” June 2026, https://www.pv-tech.org/intersolar-europe-2026-aiko-launches-abc-modules-utility-scale-residential-sectors/; and AIKO, “AIKO to Unveil Fourth-Generation INFINITE ULTRA at Intersolar Europe 2026.” https://aikosolar.com/en/aiko-fourth-generation-infinite-ultra-intersolar-europe-2026/
[10] AIKO’s commercial-scale silver-free ABC modules using copper electroplating metallization, shown at SNEC 2026. Sources: pv magazine Australia, “AIKO reinforces long-term commitment to Australia at SNEC 2026,” June 2026, https://www.pv-magazine-australia.com/press-releases/aiko-reinforces-long-term-commitment-to-australia-at-snec-2026-with-multiple-distribution-mous-top-brand-pv-award-and-new-market-milestones/; original release via PRNewswire, https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/aiko-reinforces-long-term-commitment-to-australia-at-snec-2026-with-multiple-distribution-mous-top-brand-pv-award-and-new-market-milestones-302796388.html
[11] Terms of the February 2026 Maxeon–AIKO patent licensing settlement, granting AIKO rights to Maxeon’s BC patents outside the United States, and Maxeon’s subsequent April 2026 Singapore judicial management filing amid separate financial distress. Sources: PV Tech, “Aiko buys licenses to Maxeon BC solar patents,” February 2026, https://www.pv-tech.org/aiko-buys-licenses-to-maxeon-bc-solar-patents/; and PV Tech, “Maxeon applies for ‘judicial management’ in Singapore,” April 2026, https://www.pv-tech.org/maxeon-applies-judicial-management-singapore-creditors-more-than-us70-million/
[12] Industry forecast that foundational SunPower-originated BC patents expire around 2028, a likely inflection point for broader mainstream adoption. Source: PV Tech, “Back contact solar technology: from premium niche to mainstream contender” (interview with Stefano N. Granata, STS), November 2025. https://www.pv-tech.org/back-contact-solar-technology-from-premium-niche-to-mainstream-contender/
[13] LONGi’s first rectangular-format BC cell (M11, 182.2 × 191.6 mm), sized to the industry-standardized 2382 × 1134 mm 72-cell module footprint. Source: TaiyangNews, “LONGi’s 1st Ever Rectangular Size BC Cell Module Series.” https://taiyangnews.info/technology/longis-1st-ever-rectangular-size-bc-cell-module-series
[14] IEC 61730-1 defines the construction requirements for safe electrical and mechanical operation of PV modules; IEC 61215 covers design qualification and performance testing. Source: International Electrotechnical Commission, “IEC 61730-1:2023.” https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/59803. For a plain-language walkthrough, see Couleenergy’s own guide: Understanding Solar Panel Certification: IEC 61215 & 61730 Standards Explained
[15] InfoLink’s own 2025 global module-shipment ranking states that, because AIKO and the major HJT suppliers are not included in that ranking, the published shipment data does not fully capture the true global market share of BC and HJT modules. Source: InfoLink Consulting, “InfoLink 2025 global module shipment ranking: Combined shipments reach 536 GW,” February 2026. https://www.infolink-group.com/energy-article/solar-topic-infolink-2025-global-module-shipment-ranking-combined-shipments-reach-536-gw
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