On June 25, 2026, China Electronics Standardization Institute (CESI) hosted the inaugural promotion conference for two mandatory national standards related to photovoltaic (PV), including:

Ÿ   GB 47739-2026 Safety requirements for photovoltaic modules

Ÿ   GB 47740-2026 Requirement for nameplate labeling of photovoltaic modules

The two standards, the first of their kind in China’s PV sector, were published on May 25, 2026 and will take effect on June 1, 2027. SAC/TC 90 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems) oversees the management and formulation of them, whose secretariat is held by CESI.

The event, held in Beijing, brought together over 120 experts and representatives from module manufacturers, end‑users, testing and certification bodies, and research institutes.

GB 47739-2026 Safety requirements for photovoltaic modules

This standard specifies general and safety requirements for terrestrial PV modules and describes the corresponding test methods. It applies to PV modules designed for long-term outdoor operation with system voltages not exceeding 1 500 V. Other types of PV modules may refer to this standard for guidance. It does not apply to space-use PV modules or concentrator PV modules.

It covers electrical insulation, fire resistance, mechanical robustness, and restrictions on hazardous substances such as arsenic in glass components. In accordance with GB/T 17045-2020 Protection against electric shock—Common aspects for installations and equipment, it classifies modules into Class II, Class 0, and Class III based on insulation protection levels, with tailored requirements for each category. Key tests include wet leakage current, pulse voltage, hot‑spot endurance, reverse current overload, static and dynamic mechanical loads, hail impact, and fire performance grading.

GB 47740-2026 Requirement for nameplate labeling of photovoltaic modules

This standard specifies general and marking requirements for nameplates of terrestrial PV modules. It applies to nameplate labeling of crystalline silicon and thin-film PV modules intended for long-term outdoor use. Other types of PV modules may refer to this standard for guidance. It does not apply to space-use PV modules or concentrator PV modules.

Nameplates must be legible, durable, and securely attached throughout the module’s service life. They shall be marked in standard Chinese characters (other languages are permitted but Chinese prevails). A QR code linking to all nameplate data, temperature/bifacial coefficients (if applicable), and installation manuals is mandatory.

Required nameplate information includes: model, name, trademark, manufacturer details; electrical parameters — nominal power, open-circuit voltage, and short-circuit current (each with tolerance), as well as maximum power point voltage and current; dimensions, weight, maximum system voltage, maximum overcurrent rating, and electrical protection class marking. Bifacial modules additionally require nominal bifacial power, open‑circuit voltage, and short‑circuit current (each with tolerance), measured under bifacial nameplate irradiance (BNPI) conditions.

As the first compulsory national standards in China’s PV sector, the two documents mark a milestone in reinforcing industry safety, eliminating power-rating misrepresentation, and driving the sector’s transition from scale-led to value-led growth. Foreign stakeholders are advised to review the specific provisions in advance, assess their products’ compliance, and ensure a smooth transition.