On March 18, the list of shortlisted suppliers for CLP Holdings' 2026 photovoltaic module framework procurement project was officially announced. The tender covers three package categories: N-type TOPCon, HJT, and BC modules, with a total capacity reaching 31GW. In this procurement process, industry leaders and emerging players competed side by side, with bid prices across all segments showing a high degree of concentration. In the most competitive category—Package 1 for N-type TOPCon modules—several well-known companies including Longi, Tongwei, GCL, and Central New Energy (01735)'s subsidiary Central Low Carbon (Anhui) New Energy successfully made the shortlist. Bid prices from leading companies fell within a narrow range of 0.735 to 0.748 yuan per watt, indicating a clear trend toward price convergence. Notably, Central New Energy, as an emerging force in the industry, submitted a total bid of 1.764 billion yuan, matching the offers of established players such as Jolywood, GCL, and Risen Energy without resorting to low-price tactics to secure qualification. This reflects a new competitive phase in the solar sector where companies compete on equal pricing while emphasizing strength. Under current market conditions, technological R&D capability, product performance, and production delivery assurance have become decisive factors for qualification. Against the backdrop of profit pressure across the entire industry chain, Central New Energy's confidence in bidding at par with top-tier companies—opting for quality alignment over price undercutting—demonstrates its belief in its manufacturing costs, product quality, and long-term reliability. This approach also offers a valuable reference for small and medium-sized enterprises in the photovoltaic industry. The shortlist will be open for public review from March 18 to March 21. Following project finalization, subsidiaries of CLP Holdings will determine the winning suppliers through secondary bidding or negotiations. The allocation of the 31GW super order will depend not only on price but also on comprehensive evaluations of supply chain reliability, quality control, and long-term contractual performance.
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