China Launches Two Space Energy Alliances to Advance Space-Based Solar Technologies

China's solar and clean energy industry is increasingly looking beyond terrestrial applications, with two new industry alliances focused on space-based energy technologies being launched at the 19th International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy & Energy Storage Exhibition (SNEC 2026) in Shanghai.

The developments signal growing interest in combining advances in photovoltaics, energy storage, aerospace technology and satellite infrastructure to support future space energy applications.

The newly launched Space Energy Development Alliance brings together organisations from across the solar, energy storage, hydrogen, computing, charging infrastructure, and aerospace sectors.

The alliance aims to promote collaboration between the space and renewable energy industries and support the development of future space-based energy technologies.

Founding members include commercial satellite company GalaxySpace, Kunshan GCL Photovoltaic Materials, the Yangtze River Delta Solar PV Technology Innovation Center, Shanghai Tianfu Interstellar Energy Technology, Shenzhen Aerospace New Source Technology and several other research and industrial organisations.

GalaxySpace, one of China's commercial aerospace companies, has launched more than 40 self-developed satellites as of April 2026.

Alongside the launch of the Space Energy Development Alliance, JA Solar and several industry partners announced the formation of the Space Energy Technology Ecosystem Alliance.

The initiative includes participation from Saiwu Technology, Jiangsu Jiejiawei Innovation Intelligent Equipment, CGC Certification Centre and research institutions.

Saiwu Technology is known for its advanced polymer materials and recently commercialised luminescent down-shifting films designed for perovskite tandem solar modules.

Meanwhile, photovoltaic equipment manufacturer Jiangsu Jiejiawei has highlighted the potential of perovskite solar cells in applications beyond conventional solar power plants, including building-integrated photovoltaics, portable energy systems and wearable devices.

Traditional satellite solar arrays primarily rely on gallium arsenide multi-junction solar cells due to their high efficiency and reliability. However, the technology remains expensive because of limited material availability and complex manufacturing processes.

As satellite constellations continue to expand, particularly in low Earth orbit, industry participants are increasingly exploring alternatives that can deliver lower costs while maintaining high performance. Perovskite and tandem solar cell technologies are attracting attention because of their potential for high efficiency, lightweight design and lower manufacturing costs.

Source article: https://www.saurenergy.com/solar-energy-news/china-launches-two-space-energy-alliances-to-advance-space-based-solar-technologies-11902998