China Proposes Export Controls on 12 Solar Manufacturing Technologies

China proposes export controls on 12 solar manufacturing technologies, citing national security concerns, as Beijing seeks greater oversight of sensitive technologies amid growing global competition.

China Cites Security Risks in Solar Technology Transfers

China’s Ministry of Commerce proposed adding 12 photovoltaic technologies to the country’s export-control list, according to a statement reported by Reuters on Oct. 18. The proposal forms part of a broader review of export controls covering artificial intelligence, biotechnology and other technologies.

The ministry said solar technologies are increasingly used in sensitive sectors, including aerospace and national defense. The proposed restrictions aim to prevent technologies from being transferred beyond appropriate controls while preserving legitimate international scientific and technological cooperation.

“Guard against the risks of technologies from running out of control or being improperly disseminated, while safeguarding normal international exchanges and cooperation in science and technology,” the ministry said, according to Reuters.

Public consultation on the proposal will close Nov. 15. In the meantime, exporters must register certain overseas technology transfers until China formally updates its export-control catalogue.

Proposed Restrictions Cover Emerging Solar Technologies

The proposal would prohibit exports of technologies used to manufacture certain thin wafers, perovskite and tandem solar cells, as well as large-scale fluidized-bed polysilicon production systems.

Perovskite solar cells are an emerging technology with the potential to improve energy-conversion efficiency. Tandem cells combine perovskite and silicon layers to capture a broader portion of the sunlight spectrum, potentially increasing electricity generation.

The proposed controls also cover fluidized-bed technology used to produce polysilicon, a key raw material for solar panels. The process is less expensive and more energy-efficient than the widely used Siemens method.

China would restrict, but not completely prohibit, exports of advanced solar-cell manufacturing technologies, including tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon), heterojunction technology (HJT) and back-contact technology known as XBC.

The measures remain proposals, and the final scope will depend on the outcome of the consultation and any subsequent changes to the export-control catalogue.

Controls Could Complicate Overseas Manufacturing Plans

The proposal follows earlier discussions between Chinese officials and manufacturers about potential restrictions on advanced solar-panel production technologies. Reuters reported in April that the discussions could affect U.S. companies seeking to expand domestic solar manufacturing, including Tesla.

In March, Reuters reported that Tesla was in talks with Chinese companies to purchase $2.9 billion worth of solar equipment, citing sources familiar with the matter. Export restrictions could complicate access to equipment and technical capabilities needed for such expansion, depending on the final rules.

China has also curbed exports of solar manufacturing technology to India, according to earlier Reuters reporting. The restrictions come as India works to expand domestic solar production and reduce its reliance on Chinese technology and equipment.

Analysts have said Beijing is seeking to protect its dominant position in the solar supply chain as other countries invest in local manufacturing capacity. The proposed controls could add uncertainty for manufacturers planning overseas facilities that depend on Chinese production technology.

China’s consultation period will provide an opportunity for industry participants to respond before the government finalizes the proposed changes. Until then, the extent of the restrictions’ impact on international solar manufacturing remains uncertain.