The global solar industry is entering a new phase in which value creation is taking precedence over manufacturing scale, according to a post event report released by InfoLink Consulting following the 19th SNEC International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Conference and Exhibition in Shanghai.
One of the world’s largest solar industry gatherings, SNEC 2026 highlighted a market increasingly focused on integrated energy solutions, energy storage, artificial intelligence driven power demand, and emerging solar technologies, as manufacturers adapt to slower demand growth, persistent oversupply and mounting pressure on profitability.
A notable milestone at this year’s event was the growing prominence of energy storage. For the first time, storage occupied more exhibition halls than solar PV, with six halls dedicated to storage technologies compared with four for photovoltaic products. The shift reflects the industry’s growing recognition that storage is becoming a central pillar of future energy systems rather than a supporting technology.
Solar manufacturers are also expanding their business models beyond module sales. Companies are increasingly positioning themselves as providers of complete energy solutions, combining solar generation, battery storage and integrated system services to capture greater value across the energy supply chain.
Artificial intelligence is emerging as another major growth driver for the sector. InfoLink estimates that data centres could generate between 85 GW and 100 GW of additional solar installation demand globally between 2025 and 2030 as operators seek reliable and low carbon power sources to support rapidly expanding computing infrastructure.
At the same time, trade policy remains a significant challenge for the industry. India’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers requirements for solar cells came into effect on 1 June, slowing project implementation and potentially reducing the country’s 2026 installation outlook to between 35 GWac and 40 GWac. In the United States, the industry is closely monitoring the possible implementation of Section 232 tariffs later this year.
The report also identified space based solar power as a growing area of interest. Technologies such as heterojunction and perovskite solar cells are attracting attention because of their lightweight structure, high efficiency and resistance to radiation, characteristics that are well suited to space applications.
Despite weaker short term demand in China, the long term outlook for the world’s largest solar market remains positive. China installed 50.91 GW of solar capacity during the first four months of 2026, representing a 51.48% decline from the same period last year. April installations alone fell by 78.95% year on year to 9.52 GW.
However, China’s recently released 15th Five Year Plan continues to prioritise the development of a clean, secure and efficient energy system. Large scale renewable energy bases, distributed energy projects, green industrial parks and sustainable computing infrastructure are expected to provide long term support for solar deployment.
Across the solar manufacturing supply chain, market conditions remain challenging as oversupply continues to weigh on prices. Polysilicon, wafers, cells and modules all experienced weak pricing conditions during the exhibition period, with many manufacturers operating close to cash cost levels.
Module prices have softened further but appear unlikely to fall significantly below production costs. Premium products based on TOPCon 3.0 and back contact technologies continue to command higher prices due to stronger performance and product differentiation.
Manufacturers of balance of materials components are also adapting to changing market conditions. Falling resin prices, volatile metal costs and pressure on solar glass inventories are accelerating efforts to reduce silver consumption and develop alternative materials. Suppliers are increasingly focusing on application specific products while expanding into overseas markets.
Technology innovation remained a key theme throughout SNEC 2026. InfoLink analysed 108 solar module products from 18 leading manufacturers and found that TOPCon technology continues to dominate current market offerings. Modules based on 210R and larger wafer formats accounted for more than 90% of products on display.
Perovskite technology emerged as one of the most closely watched areas of development. InfoLink recorded 18 perovskite products from 12 manufacturers, highlighting growing commercial interest in the technology.
Perovskite silicon tandem solar cells are widely regarded as one of the most promising pathways to higher conversion efficiencies beyond conventional crystalline silicon. Their suitability for space applications is further strengthening commercial interest, particularly because aerospace markets can support higher value products before large scale terrestrial deployment becomes economically viable.
According to InfoLink, the growing presence of perovskite based space solar technologies at SNEC 2026 suggests that aerospace applications could become an important stepping stone toward broader commercialisation, with future opportunities extending across utility scale solar projects, building integrated photovoltaics and next generation energy systems.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
May 20, 2026
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