Li Zhenguo, founder and president of LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (LONGi), recently attended the China Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Original Technology Forum in Suzhou and emphasized the importance of independent innovation and the development of original technologies for the photovoltaic industry.
During his keynote speech, Li Zhenguo emphasized that in response to the global energy transition, evolving international dynamics, and shifting industry cycles, China’s photovoltaic industry must prioritize independent innovation and original technologies. He stated that by taking on the responsibility of reshaping the global industrial landscape, the industry can maintain its leadership and contribute to sustainable development worldwide.
In recent years, Chinese photovoltaic companies have advanced various links in the industry chain to internationally leading levels through independent innovation and the development of original technologies. As a result, Chinese photovoltaic products have been exported to over 200 countries and regions worldwide, becoming a crucial contributor to the global energy transformation.
In the past two years, ‘involutionary’ competition has significantly impacted the photovoltaic industry. Li Zhenguo cautioned about the potential for vicious competition stemming from business challenges within this industry cycle. He stressed the importance of contributing wisdom and effort to help enterprises navigate the cycle through independent innovation and original technologies. Li further warned against hindering the high-quality development of the industry with “take is winning” or “low-quality, low-price” approaches. He emphasized that, in today’s complex international landscape, enterprises must step up and shoulder their responsibilities.
At present, the global photovoltaic technology iteration is accelerating. From PERC to TOPCon, and then to BC technology, every technological innovation and breakthrough comes from the in-depth cultivation of innovation ability and original technology. As a world-leading solar technology company, LONGi adheres to the brand positioning of “Stable and Reliable, Technology Leadership”, focuses on technological innovation, regards R&D as the “lifeline” of enterprises, and injects continuous technological innovation into the high-quality and healthy development of the industry.
Li Zhenguo stated that the future of the photovoltaic industry will be a marathon centered around innovation, responsibility, and vision. He emphasized the importance of relying on China’s original technologies and maintaining the international reputation of Chinese photovoltaic enterprises through fair competition. He called on the entire industry to overcome technological barriers in key areas, with Chinese original technology leading the way and independent innovation as protection. This approach, he said, would enable Chinese photovoltaics to transition from being the “highland of manufacturing” to the “highland of innovation”.
At the Forum, the China Green Supply Chain Alliance Photovoltaic Professional Committee, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangsu Photovoltaic Industry Association, Suzhou Photovoltaic Industry Association, Suzhou International Energy Transformation Federation, Canadian Solar, LONGi, Huasun, Envicool, DR Laser, iSilver Materials, Autowell, Cybrid Technology, Electro Man, Runergy, Astronergy, Aiko, DA Solar, and Maxwell jointly released the “Initiative on Actively Promoting Independent Innovation and the Development of Original Technologies in the Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Industry”.
The initiative urges photovoltaic and energy storage companies to boost independent innovation by increasing R&D investment and encouraging researchers to explore new technologies without fear of failure. It calls for collaboration between universities, research institutions, and enterprises to address industry needs and drive original research. Industry associations should promote knowledge sharing and technological cooperation, while government bodies must strengthen protections and incentives for independent innovation, ensuring healthy competition and the sustainable growth of the photovoltaic industry.
The independent innovation ability and original technology level of the photovoltaic industry directly relate to the status of Chinese photovoltaic enterprises in the global photovoltaic industry. Therefore, all parties should contribute to the vigorous development of independent innovation and original technologies in the photovoltaic industry, and build the brilliance of China’s photovoltaic industry with the power of innovation.
