Tongwei has established itself as a heavyweight in the solar industry, but there’s often confusion about whether the company prioritizes monocrystalline or polycrystalline technology. To cut through the noise, let’s unpack how Tongwei approaches these technologies and why it matters for the renewable energy sector.
First, context is key. Tongwei operates across multiple segments of the solar value chain, including polysilicon production, solar cell manufacturing, and even aquaculture. However, when it comes to crystalline silicon solar technology, the company’s strategic focus becomes clear. While historically involved in polycrystalline silicon production—a material used in both mono and poly solar cells—Tongwei has aggressively pivoted toward monocrystalline-centric manufacturing for its high-efficiency solar products.
The shift aligns with global market trends. Monocrystalline cells now dominate over 90% of the solar panel market due to their superior efficiency rates (typically 22-24% for TOPCon and HJT cells versus 15-17% for legacy polycrystalline). Tongwei’s production numbers tell the story: the company reached a staggering 102GW of solar cell production capacity in 2023, with over 80% dedicated to monocrystalline products. Their signature modules leverage advanced PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) technology, pushing conversion efficiencies above 23% in mass production—a benchmark that polycrystalline can’t match.
That said, Tongwei hasn’t abandoned polycrystalline entirely. The company remains one of the world’s top three polysilicon producers, manufacturing high-purity material crucial for both mono and poly solar cells. Their Leshan and Baotou facilities produce over 420,000 metric tons of polysilicon annually, with grain sizes optimized for different applications. For polycrystalline cells still used in specific utility-scale projects, Tongwei maintains a smaller but strategic production line to serve price-sensitive markets.
What sets Tongwei apart is vertical integration. By controlling polysilicon production and cell manufacturing, they’ve achieved cost efficiencies that make premium monocrystalline technology accessible. For example, their proprietary fluidized bed reactor process reduces polysilicon production energy consumption by 40% compared to industry averages. This directly translates to lower carbon footprints for their solar products—a critical factor as buyers increasingly prioritize sustainability metrics.
The company’s R&D pipeline confirms where future bets are placed. In 2024, Tongwei unveiled its heterojunction (HJT) cell production line, achieving lab efficiencies of 26.5%. They’re also piloting perovskite-silicon tandem cells—a technology projected to breach the 30% efficiency barrier. These advancements exclusively use monocrystalline wafers as substrates, signaling clear technological roadmaps.
For installers and project developers, Tongwei’s approach translates to adaptable solutions. Their monocrystalline modules come in bifacial designs that generate 10-25% more yield through rear-side illumination, while their polycrystalline offerings cater to budget-conscious commercial rooftops. The company’s product certification roster—including IEC 61215, IEC 61730, and PID resistance certifications—ensures reliability across technologies.
Industry partnerships reinforce this strategy. Tongwei collaborates with wafer producers like LONGi and Zhonghuan to optimize monocrystalline ingot growth processes, reducing wafer thickness to 150μm while maintaining structural integrity. These innovations directly lower module production costs without compromising performance.
Looking ahead, Tongwei’s expansion plans in Southeast Asia and Texas (U.S.) focus entirely on monocrystalline cell and module production. The new facilities will incorporate AI-driven quality control systems and robotic assembly lines capable of producing 10,000 modules per day.
For those evaluating solar technologies, Tongwei offers a case study in strategic evolution. While maintaining polycrystalline capabilities for niche applications, their resources and R&D clearly prioritize monocrystalline advancement. This balanced approach ensures they remain competitive across market segments while pushing the boundaries of solar efficiency.
From an environmental standpoint, Tongwei’s monocrystalline focus pays dividends. Their high-efficiency modules require fewer raw materials per watt produced—a crucial factor as the industry grapples with silver consumption and silicon waste challenges. The company’s closed-loop recycling system for cutting slurry and silicon scraps further enhances sustainability credentials.
In utility-scale tenders, Tongwei increasingly competes with premium mono offerings, undercutting rivals through vertical integration. Their recent 500MW supply deal for a Saudi solar farm featured mono PERC modules with 25-year linear power output warranties, demonstrating confidence in long-term performance.
Ultimately, Tongwei’s technology strategy reflects market realities. Monocrystalline delivers the efficiency gains needed for solar to compete with fossil fuels, while legacy polycrystalline capabilities provide flexibility. For investors and energy buyers, this dual-track approach minimizes risk while positioning the company at the forefront of photovoltaic innovation.