GCL-SI to start production at first phase of 60GW module factory in September

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The GCL Energy Center in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. Image: GCL-SI.

The first phase of GCL System Integration Technology’s (GCL-SI) 60GW module factory in Hefei, in China’s Anhui Province, is on track to start production this September.

The ‘Solar Module Super League’ member last year revealed plans for the megacomplex, which will be focused on producing 210mm modules and is also capable of manufacturing 182mm modules to meet market demand.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Consisting of a total spend of US$2.5 billion, the factory is being built over four phases between 2020 and 2023, with GCL-SI recently announcing a US$122 million investment into Hefei GCL Integrated New Energy Technology Co to accelerate construction.

The megacomplex will include wafer, cell, module and all component manufacturing such as junction box, backsheets, glass, EVA and aluminium frames.

GCL-SI is also said to be making “steady progress” with a 2.5GW ‘shingled’ (cell) module assembly plant, which was originally planned to be built in Funing, Hebei Province, but is now being incorporated into the Hefei hub.

Elsewhere, the company is also building a 10GW solar cell manufacturing base in Leshan, Sichuan Province, with the first, 5GW phase expected to be completed by the end of 2021. The production facility will mainly manufacture cells such as PERC, TOPCon and heterojunction, with the base also featuring a research and development centre for heterojunction and perovskite-based laminate cells.

While there has been a recent surge in logistics costs and raw material prices, GCL-SI CEO Thomas Zhang said demand for the company’s products is still growing in Europe and the US.

10 March 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
The conference will gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing out to 2030 and beyond.

Read Next

October 13, 2025
Two Chinese state-owned energy enterprises have signed cooperation agreements on PV and wind power projects with Saudi companies, with the total contract value exceeding RMB30 billion (US$4.2 billion). 
Premium
October 10, 2025
Gaëtan Masson of IEA PVPS warns of overcapacity, collapsing prices and slipping module quality in the new Trends in PV Applications report.
October 10, 2025
The European solar module market has reached a “state of equilibrium” in recent weeks, with stable prices and regular demand.
October 10, 2025
US solar recycling firm OnePlanet has achieved the R2v3 certification from electronics sustainability non-profit SERI, which represents the “highest standards of traceability”.
October 10, 2025
NTPC Renewable Energy Limited has signed an MoU with the Government of Gujarat to develop 15GW renewable energy projects in Gujarat.
October 9, 2025
Singapore-based Sembcorp Industries has agreed to acquire ReNew’s 300MW solar power unit in India for around US$246 million.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK