[SMM PV] Industry Remains at Cycle Bottom, with Reversal Expectations Gap Providing Flexibility Room

On June 11, a journalist from Shell Finance learned that the "Energy Efficiency Limits and Energy Efficiency Grades for Crystalline Silicon PV Modules and Inverters" has entered the final approval stage before release, and is expected to be officially released soon. Previously, several mandatory standards, including those on module safety, nameplate labeling, and polysilicon energy consumption limits, have been implemented or released for public comment. From end-user modules to upstream polysilicon, the technical and energy consumption thresholds at each link of the industry chain continue to rise. Against the backdrop of the industry as a whole not yet turning a profit and top-tier players still facing profitability pressure, this supply-side adjustment, driven by standard upgrades, is becoming a major force reshaping the competitive landscape of the PV industry.

India's Reliance Industries has officially put its HJT modules into production, with the first batch of 200 MW delivered. The module power reaches 720 W and has obtained India's BIS certification. Energy conversion efficiency has increased by 10%, while the degradation rate has decreased by 25%. Reliance Industries plans to subsequently expand production to 10 GW/year, marking the entry of its advanced PV manufacturing capabilities into a phase of substantial implementation.

Toyo Solar announced the construction of a 1.5GW HJT cell production line in Texas, US. The project is located in the Houston metropolitan area and plans to achieve integration with an existing module plant, with an investment of approximately $357 million and an expected construction period of 20 months. Upon completion, it will be eligible for the US IRA Act Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit (approximately $0.04/W), further boosting local PV manufacturing capacity.