PV Magazine: How are things for Jinkosolar in Europe and Germany?
Niendorf: We are currently in a transition phase – not only for Jinko, but also for the entire European solar market. The rapid expansion of PV capacity in recent years, especially in Germany, Spain and the Netherlands, has achieved an impressive profit in generating clean electricity. However, this growth has exposed structural bottlenecks in the energy system: limited grid capacity, inflexible market rules and a lack of storage infrastructure. Raster connection delays have become a highest care for developers and EPCs, especially in regions with high penetration. At the same time, we see negative electricity prices during peak intake in the Zonneschermer are increasingly in favor – not as isolated incidents, but as a recurring pattern in markets such as Germany and the Netherlands. This has had a direct impact on the trust of investors and delays purchasing for PV projects that depend on trade models or [power purchase agreements]. That said, we don’t see this as a market for the market – it’s rather a redesign phase. The basic principles remain solid: energy security, low -carbon goals and industrial policy remain dependent on solar energy. What is needed now is the next phase of the energy transition-the large-scale integration of storage, modernization of graters and the use of intelligent demand response systems. We expect that this adjustment period will take place until around 2026, because legal frameworks and hybrid stimuli retain the EU. From 2027 we expect a strong acceleration of market activity, in particular in hybrid and storage-linked projects that will help to stabilize electricity prices and to restore the trust of investors.
Are negative electricity prices now common in Germany in the afternoon? How does this affect your company and is it an advantage that you offer both photovoltaic and storage?
Yes, they find negative electricity prices around noon with increasing regularity – not only in Germany, but in various European countries. This is a clear signal that the energy transition is taking its second phase: we have successfully deployed a large number of renewable energy sources, but the grid infrastructure and system flexibility have not yet been overtaken. In Germany, the grid is often overloaded during periods of high solar generation and low consumption, leading to negative wholesale prices. This trend sets out pressure on the income models of PV all-projects and increasing uncertainty for power owners. At Jinko we don’t see this as a setback, but as a crucial moment. We are uniquely positioned because we offer both photovoltaic and storage systems from one source. This allows us to deliver hybrid systems that optimize self -housing, generating to more profitable time slots and supporting the grid when it is most needed. This integrated solution is especially attractive in the commercial and utility scale sectors, where customers are increasingly looking for protection at price volatility and limitation. It is important that negative prices are not a sign that we have too much solar energy, they are a sign that we are missing sufficient flexibility. The European Commission and the national governments recognize this, and we are now seeing encouraging developments: new capacity auctions, hybrid project stimuli and grid-supporting policy are introduced throughout the continent. With our portfolio we are well placed to meet these new requirements and to offer a path to the viability of the market in this developing landscape.
Has the demand for energy storage recently grown?
Absolute. We have seen a significant increase in the demand for energy storage throughout Europe – and not just in Germany. Now our storage systems are completely sold out and we are rapidly expanding in capacity and partnerships to meet this rising demand. This trend is driven by a combination of price volatility, a greater consciousness of energy security and clear policy signals in several EU markets. Storage is no longer seen to reduce peak loads or to save surplus PV – it is now generally seen as an essential infrastructure for the future energy system.
Can you give some examples?
Italy promotes hybrid solar-plus storage through its FER2 Incentive framework. Spain reforms its auction and grid access system to reward flexibility. France and the Netherlands see a strong commercial interest, in particular to manage peak rates and to guarantee back -up power. Poland, Hungary and other CEE markets introduce supporting mechanisms for co-located renewable energy sources and storage. From our perspective, storage clearly moved to the mainstream. Nuts companies, IPPs and commercial operators see it all as a core component of their energy strategy. At Jinko we recognized so early, which is why we now offer integrated PV and storage solutions that are tailored to these new realities.
Which sector in Germany do you think has the greatest growth potential?
The commercial and industrial (C&I) sector in Germany offers the strongest growth potential. Throughout the economy, companies of SMEs to large companies prioritize energy autonomy, long-term cost control and climate neutrality. Zonne, especially in combination with storage, supports all three goals. The volatility of energy prices in recent years has led to many companies again rating their strategies for purchasing energy consumption. Energy is increasingly not treated as a merchandise, but as a strategically active. With the falling costs of N-Type Topcon technology and growing availability of commercial storage, the Business Case for C&I Solar has never been stronger. We also see a great untouched potential in the retrospect of existing commercial roofs, many of which remain underhanded. Coming reforms-included the German solar package 1 and EU-wide simplifications for allowing the allowance in this segment to unlock even more momentum.
And how does the wider EU market relate?
Throughout Europe, the C&I segment is now the fastest growing part of the solar market-in many countries that even surpass a home. In Spain and Portugal, high rates during the day encourage companies to install PV for self -consumption. France is expanding programs for tertiary buildings, and countries such as Austria and Belgium increase stimuli for solar energy in logistics and commercial zones. At the same time, there is increasing pressure from investors, regulators and supply chain partners for companies to declare their activities. On-site solar and storage are among the most visible and cost-effective tools that are available for this. From our point of view it is clear that customers are no longer just looking for hardware. They want bankable, end-to-end solutions: very efficient modules such as Tiger Neo, integrated Bess, smart monitoring and reliable service. That is exactly what Jinkosolar delivers.
How important is a strong position in the German and European markets for Jinkosolar compared to China? How do the question and prices evolve there?
Germany and Europe are broader in general core strategic markets for Jinko. These regions appreciate quality, reliability and long-term partnerships that are fully tailored to our brand. Europe also serves as an innovation and policy hub, so that we can stay in the foreground in new trends in carbon and digitization. The Chinese market continues to be the large growth motor for the global PV market with stable and growing installation volumes. Despite China’s strong demand, the industry continues to be confronted with a very challenging overcapacity phase, which should ultimately lead to a long -awaited consolidation of the industry. Module prices are at historic lows. The current market price level of the module is far below the actual production costs for many manufacturers, which is not sustainable. With more than 1 TW of the production capacity that pursues 600 GW annual global demand, the imbalance puts enormous pressure on industry. Consolidation is urgently needed, and I expect some mergers and acquisitions along the entire value chain in the near to medium term, which will lower the number of active players and help stabilize prices over time.
We hear that there are important changes in China that influence both the promotion of the PV system and the industry. Can you respond?
Yes, China is undergoing a strategic transformation in both the implementation and the production of the solar industry. With regard to the policy side, the government is again assessing how national stimuli are structured to prevent overcapacity and to improve system efficiency. On the industrial side, efforts are made to curb surplus supply, encourage consolidation and to promote the next generation of technology and sustainability standards. This is a healthy and necessary development. A more balanced and technology-driven solar industry will benefit everyone from manufacturers to end users. At Jinko we support reforms that contribute to a more stable, high -quality and worldwide -competitive sun sector.
Are you already preparing for the next phase with your products?
On the product side we continue to faith in our N-Type Topcon technology, especially with the introduction of our new flagship product, Tiger Neo 3.0, launched at Snec. This topcon module of the third generation supplies 26.7% to 27% cell efficiency, 650 W to 670 W output per panel and a bifacial factor of approximately 85%. Production started in June, and we are rising for mass availability to Q3 and Q4 2025. At the same time we also invest in technologies of the next generation. We are currently testing Perovskite/Topcon Tandem architecture, which has already surpassed 34% efficiency in certified laboratory environments. While they are still in R&D, these technologies show a big promise and can represent the next leap in the module performance. In the meantime, we also scale up our energy storage portfolio, improve the design options of the hybrid system and support customers throughout Europe with integrated, bankable solutions. The market evolves – and so do we.
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