AIKO Solar
ActiveOverview
AIKO Solar is a Chinese photovoltaic manufacturer specializing in high-efficiency n-type ABC (All Back Contact) crystalline silicon solar cells and modules. The company focuses on technologies for improved efficiency and aesthetics, targeting residential, commercial, and industrial applications, with additional development in perovskite-silicon tandem cells. It operates globally with manufacturing in China and subsidiaries in Europe, Asia, and other regions, achieving over 120 GW in total shipments by 2023.
History
Founded in 2009 as Shanghai Aiko Solar Energy Co., Ltd. (stock code: 600732.SH), the company began with PERC cell research and semiconductor monocrystalline production. Key milestones include inventing tubular PERC technology in 2016, bifacial tubular PERC in 2017, mass production of 210mm and 166mm cells in 2019-2020, and releasing ABC cells (26%+ efficiency) in 2021 followed by ABC modules (23.50% efficiency) in 2022. In 2023, it launched ABC Infinite modules with 25%+ efficiency and planned expansions like a 30 GW cell and module project in Jinan, Shandong.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| ABC Solar Cells | High-efficiency n-type all-back-contact cells | $0.08 - $0.12 per watt |
| ABC Modules | Aesthetic high-power modules for rooftops | $0.25 - $0.35 per watt |
| ABC Infinite Modules | Advanced modules with 25%+ efficiency | $0.30 - $0.40 per watt |
| Integrated PV Solutions | Scenario-based systems with storage and management | $1,000 - $10,000 per system |
Manufacturing
Primary manufacturing occurs in China, including facilities in Shanghai and planned 30 GW projects in Jinan, Shandong. The company handles in-house production of solar cells and modules. R&D for next-generation technologies like perovskite tandems is conducted in China and Europe.
Notable Products
- ABC Cell - N-type all-back-contact cell with 26%+ efficiency released in 2021.
- ABC Module - Module with 23.50% efficiency and high bifaciality, launched in 2022.
- ABC Infinite Module - Latest module achieving 25%+ efficiency, introduced in 2023.
- Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Cell - Lab prototype exceeding 33% efficiency in collaboration with Zhejiang University.
Reputation
AIKO Solar is recognized among PV professionals for pioneering ABC technology and consistent innovation in cell efficiency, ranking top in solar cell shipments and markets like South Korea and India. Enthusiasts praise its aesthetic module designs for rooftops and reliable performance data. Some note challenges in scaling perovskite production as still emerging from R&D phase.