China’s solar shift: What’s in it for Pakistan

Business Recorder reported that China has formally issued GB 47834-2026, a mandatory national standard that sets minimum energy-efficiency levels and grades for crystalline-silicon solar modules and inverters. The standard was published on June 27, 2026 and takes effect on January 1, 2027, raising the efficiency floor for solar equipment made and sold in China.

Many commonly available 585W panels currently achieve 21 to 22.6 percent efficiency, short of the new 23.2 percent minimum. The rule is about efficiency rather than wattage, so a 585W panel is not banned unless it falls below that level. Under China's Standardization Law, non-compliant products cannot be produced, sold or imported, which means lower-efficiency production lines are likely to be retired sooner.

Business Recorder notes that older, cheaper modules may keep circulating for a time, since existing stock will not disappear overnight. Farmers, small businesses and rural households often invest in solar for irrigation and basic power needs, so the article stresses checking warranty support, product verification and replacement availability alongside the upfront price. The article also points to growing use of battery storage, as Pakistan's market moves beyond panels toward complete systems.