PV manufacturers are increasingly becoming integrated, both vertically and horizontally. We see more and more traditional cell-only suppliers moving downstream into the module segment – SolarSpace is one such example.
At Intersolar Europe 2025, TaiyangNews caught up with Colin Zhu, Marketing Director at SolarSpace, to learn more about the company’s transition from a leading cell supplier to an emerging module player, and to discuss its technology roadmap, sustainability goals, and global market strategy. While already a major player in the solar cell segment, SolarSpace is now pushing forward with its ambitions to become a Tier 1 module supplier – backed by significant manufacturing capacity, global reach, and a growing focus on ESG practices.
From Cell Leader to Full Module Player
SolarSpace began as a specialist in photovoltaic cell R&D and production. By the end of 2024, SolarSpace reached 40 GW of n-type cell production capacity, with an additional 12 GW currently undergoing technical upgrades. Once complete, its total n-type cell capacity will exceed 50 GW. “PV InfoLink ranked us as the world’s second largest cell supplier in 2024,” underscored Zhu.
Leveraging its deep expertise in cells, the company expanded into module manufacturing in 2021. On the module side, the company has a global capacity of around 10 GW, and its module shipments in 2024 totaled approximately 3 GW. SolarSpace’s business spans 6 continents, with core markets in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. In fact, overseas revenue accounted for nearly a third of the company’s total sales in 2024. It now aims to climb into the top ranks of module suppliers within the next 2 to 3 years. “We hope to continue our success in cell and become first tier module supplier in the near future, may be in two or three years,” says Zhu.
N-Type As Of Now
Speaking about the technology, Zhu remarked that PV cell and module products are becoming similar. As PERC technology phases out, the industry is focusing on n-type and back contact (BC) technologies. SolarSpace’s focus would also be on n-type technologies for this year, but it differentiates itself through its strong cell foundation and process optimization. Additionally, Zhu hinted at upcoming innovations, with new products expected to debut at SNEC in Shanghai next month. In parallel, the company is also working to minimize CTM (cell-to-module) loss through BOM (bill of materials) enhancements and maintain high production yields to ensure reliability.
ESG Governance
In addition to the technology and market roadmap, SolarSpace has also set Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and sustainability commitments. SolarSpace is implementing a 3-tier ESG governance framework integrated into its day-to-day operations. A key element of its ESG strategy is the CEED initiative, which stands for Carbon neutrality, Empowerment, Environment, and Distinction. This framework defines the company’s short- and long-term sustainability targets. Its 2024 ESG Annual Report – expected to be released shortly – details ongoing progress.
However, Zhu did provide some insights into the sustainability goals for 2025. The company aims to reduce electricity consumption per unit and water usage by 2% over their 2024 levels. On the supply chain side, SolarSpace launched a sustainable sourcing program in late 2024. By year-end, 100% of key suppliers had signed a conflict-free mineral policy, and over 100 suppliers underwent sustainability training. This year, due diligence efforts continue to ensure upstream partners meet evolving compliance standards.
Outlook
Looking ahead, SolarSpace aims to align with global market trends by focusing on high-efficiency technology, premium products with a globalized layout, and continuing to enhance product competitiveness. For the technology, the company will prioritize n-type technology while preparing for next-generation cell advancement. For market expansion, SolarSpace will focus on local service and local operations in key regions, such as the US market, and optimize supply chains to adapt flexibly to diverse demands.
Zhu emphasized the company’s commitment to the PV sector’s long-term growth, noting that solar remains one of the clearest paths for global energy transition. SolarSpace plans to continue investing in R&D, quality enhancement, and zero-carbon factories, while strengthening its ESG practices to support broader sustainable development goals.
