Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 28, China Huaneng’s Clean Energy Technology Research Institute and its Qinghai unit have activated the world’s first commercial-scale 5 MW perovskite photovoltaic (PV) demonstration plant at the Gonghe photovoltaic park in Qinghai province. Commissioned on August 23, 2025, the facility aims to collect data on the performance, durability, and environmental adaptability of perovskite and tandem perovskite/silicon modules in high-altitude conditions.

Qinghai province, China

The plant incorporates large-area perovskite modules from domestic manufacturers, achieving over 90% domestic content for core equipment. Testing follows rigorous protocols, including the TÜV SÜD-enhanced IEC 61215 sequence, involving 2,000 hours of damp-heat exposure, 400 thermal cycles, and a maximum power degradation of 5%. The program simulates five years of high-altitude ultraviolet exposure (104 kWh/m²) and evaluates aging under 1.2× standard irradiance (1,200 W/m²) at 60°C. Huaneng’s laboratory-scale perovskite/silicon tandem cells, exceeding 33% conversion efficiency, are also included, supported by advanced laser scribing and low water-vapor transmission encapsulants.

Key collaborators include GCL Optoelectronic Material, Microquanta, UtmoLight Technology, and Renshine Solar, with the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, providing materials-science expertise. Huaneng stated: “The site will accelerate domestic supply-chain localization and inform applications spanning building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), floating, and mobile photovoltaics.”

The plant targets a mass-production cost of CNY 0.8 ($0.11)/W and a levelized cost of electricity around CNY 0.15/kWh in highland conditions. By 2026, Huaneng aims to increase module efficiencies above 22% and reduce costs below CNY 0.6/W, nearing competitiveness with crystalline silicon modules. The facility also serves as a standards platform, with Huaneng leading efforts to develop environmental-adaptation test standards for perovskite modules, incorporating factors like UV exposure, sand abrasion, and high-altitude pressure.

Additionally, the project introduces a “demonstration base plus data-service” model, offering subscription-based access to monitored module performance data. This initiative supports the validation of perovskite technology for broader commercial applications, including diverse PV systems. While the plant marks a significant step toward commercialization, Huaneng noted: “Long-term data and further scale-up will be necessary to validate durability and cost trajectories before perovskite modules can be widely deployed beyond demonstration projects.”

The Gonghe plant underscores China Huaneng’s commitment to advancing renewable energy innovation. By leveraging domestic expertise and rigorous testing, the project aims to enhance the reliability and affordability of perovskite PV technology, contributing to the global transition to sustainable energy solutions.