The Chinese company says it will convert the manufacturing capacity at its base in Tianjin into its proprietary all-back-contact (ABC) technology as the efficiency of passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) solar cells reaches “a bottleneck”.
Chinese solar cell and module maker Aiko Solar has revealed plans to upgrade and convert its Tianjin base from passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) solar cell capacity to 6 GW of its all-back-contact (ABC) cell capacity.
Aiko’s proprietary ABC cells feature n-type technology which shifts all electrical grid lines and busbars from the front surface to the rear side of the cell. The architecture is intended to increase light absorption and improve aesthetics, particularly for rooftop and distributed PV applications.
A filing on the Shanghai Stock Exchange explains that project will utilise the existing PERC plant as the production workshop, adding new process production equipment and upgrading supporting power auxiliary equipment and facilities.
“This capacity upgrade will introduce the company’s latest ABC technology, producing ABC battery products with higher conversion efficiency, better product performance, and greater market competitiveness,” the filing adds.
Aiko estimates total investment for the project will reach CNY 1.15 billion ($172.2 million), of which CNY 1.131 billion is for fixed assets and CNY 19 million is for initial and working capital. It will be raised through various means, the company says, including own capital, financing from financial institutions and cooperation with industry ecosystem partners.
In the filing, Aiko’s Board of Directors explains the upgrade aligns with the development trend of the photovoltaic industry and is consistent with the company’s strategic development direction. They add that current p-type PERC cell mass production efficiency has “reached a bottleneck”, with market demand declining, prices falling and cells facing the risk of rapid obsolescence.
“After this technological upgrade, related production capacity will be fully upgraded to ABC technology, offering higher photoelectric conversion efficiency, better aesthetics and improved safety,” the directors add.
The upgrade is planned to start in the fourth quarter of this year, before gradually entering production in the third quarter of 2027.
Aiko introduced its fourth-generation G4 Infinite Ultra module in July, extending its ABC module platform into the 690 W power class.
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