SNEC 2026 Recap | As the Industry Evolves, Suzhou Bilateral Remains Committed

The three-day 2026 SNEC International Solar PV & Smart Energy Exhibition has successfully concluded.

As one of the most influential industry events in the global solar PV and energy storage sectors, this year’s exhibition brought together industry leaders, technical experts, and professional buyers from around the world to showcase the latest technological achievements and future development trends in the new energy sector.

Suzhou Bilateral showcased its series of PV mounting systems and stainless steel fasteners at Booth 1.2H-D571, engaging in in-depth discussions with clients from various countries and regions.

Three days of the exhibition yielded results far exceeding expectations.

During the event, the Suzhou Bilateral booth welcomed a large number of professional clients.

In addition to visits from long-term partners, we also welcomed many new clients who were meeting us for the first time.

As a seemingly inconspicuous yet indispensable component of photovoltaic systems, we have observed a notable shift:

Customers are paying increasing attention to connectors and fastening systems.

A Key Detail: Customers Are Increasingly Focused on Reliability

As module power continues to rise and system lifespans extend, the demands on the entire power plant for structural safety, corrosion resistance, and long-term reliability are also growing.

An increasing number of overseas customers are now focusing on:

1. Stainless steel material grades
2. Product certification systems
3. Salt spray test standards
4. Long-term weather resistance
5. Product traceability

These demands reflect the industry’s shift from simply “getting things installed” to ensuring “stable operation for over 30 years.”

For Bilateral, this represents both a challenge and a new opportunity. Spotting New Market Opportunities Through Industry Trends

From “Price Competition” to “System Value Competition”

In recent years, industry competition has largely centered on module power output and cost.

However, at this year’s SNEC, a noticeable shift is taking place:

Competition is moving from a focus on individual products to a focus on system solutions.

An increasing number of companies are showcasing integrated “PV + Energy Storage + Energy Management” solutions.

From module manufacturers to inverter companies, and from energy storage firms to energy management platforms, the focus is no longer merely on how much electricity is generated, but on how to maximize the value of every kilowatt-hour.

The integration of PV and storage has moved from concept to reality, becoming a key direction for future energy systems.

AI is Making Its Way into the Energy Industry

If 2025 was the year of AI’s explosive growth, then SNEC 2026 has shown us the accelerating convergence of AI and the new energy industry.

At this year’s exhibition, AI emerged as one of the most frequently mentioned keywords.

AI energy management systems, smart O&M platforms, predictive maintenance, virtual power plants (VPPs), and intelligent energy storage dispatch solutions were all on display.

An increasing number of companies are beginning to utilize AI technology to optimize power generation, energy storage, electricity consumption, and equipment O&M management, thereby achieving intelligent operation of energy systems.

Future competition may not only be between devices but also between algorithms and data capabilities.

TOPCon Continues to Dominate the Market

From a technological perspective, N-type cells remained the undisputed stars of this year’s exhibition.

Several leading companies unveiled their next-generation TOPCon products.

Some modules have already surpassed 700W in power output, with module efficiency further improved, marking the continued evolution of TOPCon technology.

At the same time, the industry is actively exploring next-generation technology routes.

Innovative directions such as perovskite tandem cells, BC technology, and high-efficiency heterojunction technology continue to attract attention.

Although large-scale commercialization will still take time, technological development has entered a new phase.

Industry innovation has never stopped.

Energy Storage Emerges as a New Growth Engine

Compared to previous years, the energy storage exhibition area has seen a significant increase in visitor traffic this year.

Long-duration storage, commercial and industrial storage, liquid-cooled storage systems, and grid-forming storage technologies have become the focal points of attention.

As global renewable energy installations continue to grow, energy storage is no longer merely an accessory to photovoltaic systems but is becoming an integral part of the future energy system.

An increasing number of projects are shifting from a “PV-first” approach to “integrated PV-storage” solutions.

This also signals new market opportunities for both upstream and downstream players in the industry chain.

Focusing on Connection Systems, Suzhou Bilateral Continues to Deepen Its Commitment to Quality Manufacturing

As a leading manufacturer specializing in the R&D, design, production, and sales of solar PV mounting systems and fasteners, Suzhou Bilateral firmly believes:

An excellent PV system begins with reliable connections.

During the exhibition, we highlighted the following:

PV Mounting System Accessories

A wide variety of hooks, mid-clamps, edge clamps, rails, connectors, and clamps, featuring a complete range of models and diverse types.

Solar Hanger Bolt Series

Widely used in color-coated steel roof PV installation systems, covering multiple specifications and configuration options to meet the needs of different roof structures.

Stainless Steel Fasteners

Made from high-quality stainless steel materials such as 304 and 316, these fasteners combine mechanical strength with corrosion resistance, making them ideal for harsh outdoor environments.

OEM Customization Solutions

We provide on-site solutions tailored to customer needs, offering customized services to deliver more flexible procurement options.

Customer Case Studies

During the trade show, we engaged in detailed discussions and needs assessments with visitors to our booth. By analyzing their specific requirements and combining them with practical considerations, we provided targeted recommendations to help customers clearly identify suitable product combinations and application pathways.
A client from the Philippines planned to pre-stock a batch of universal PV installation materials for the local market to meet the mounting requirements of PV mounting systems on color-coated steel sheet roofs. The client initially preferred standardized universal clamps as the connection solution between the roof and the rails, but after extensive searching, they were unable to find a product that fully met their needs.
After thorough communication with the client and a deep understanding of the local installation conditions—where color-coated steel roofs are predominant—we re-optimized the connection approach and recommended solutions using either dual-threaded rods(Solar Hanger Bolt) with connecting plates or hex washers with self-tapping screws and connecting plates to achieve a reliable and secure connection between the roof and the rail system.
During our discussions with the client, we provided a detailed explanation of the solution’s versatility and adaptability. The client expressed great satisfaction with the proposal, noting that it effectively met their practical needs in terms of adaptability, cost control, and inventory flexibility, and expressed an interest in further collaboration and in-depth communication.

The more the industry develops, the more important quality becomes

This year’s SNEC sent a clear signal:
The era of cutthroat price competition in the PV industry has officially come to an end. The sector has fully moved beyond homogenized competition over individual products and has officially entered a new cycle of high-quality development characterized by the four-dimensional integration of value, application scenarios, photovoltaic-storage coupling, and AI.

From the “wild growth” driven by “scale and cost” to the “meticulous cultivation” driven by “technology, solutions, and ecosystems,” China’s PV industry is undergoing a critical structural transformation.

Competition in the PV industry is no longer about production capacity and price, but rather a comprehensive competition based on the combined value of technology, application scenarios, systems, and intelligence. From single-product manufacturing to scenario-based customization, from standalone power generation to PV-storage coupling, from hardware sales to AI-driven smart energy operations—as the industry shifts from “price wars” to “value wars,” China’s PV sector is completely moving away from extensive, cutthroat competition. With a new approach centered on value, 

application scenarios, PV-storage integration, and AI, it is embarking on a new journey toward high-quality development.
Only by deepening technological expertise, tailoring solutions to specific scenarios, and integrating with the industry ecosystem can we maintain our leadership in the new industrial cycle ahead.
For bilateral, this is both a challenge and an opportunity.
Moving forward, we will remain dedicated to providing our customers with high-quality solar PV mounting systems and stainless steel fasteners. Through continuous innovation and lean manufacturing, we will deliver even more reliable connection solutions.
 

Thank you for every moment of trust and connection

We extend our gratitude to all clients, partners, and industry friends who visited the Suzhou Bilateral booth during the exhibition.
Every exchange is an opportunity for growth.
Every collaboration is a testament to trust.
Though the exhibition has concluded, our partnership has only just begun.
Moving forward, we will remain dedicated to the R&D and manufacturing of high-quality PV mounting systems and stainless steel fasteners, working alongside our clients to embrace new opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

Currently, Suzhou Bilateral boasts:

1. A 12,000-square-meter production facility
2. Over 100 pieces of production equipment
3. More than 150 professional employees
4. A monthly production capacity exceeding 5 million units
5. ISO 9001 Quality Management System certification
6. A comprehensive quality traceability process

These capabilities not only ensure product quality but also provide reliable support for the delivery of our customers’ projects.
We look forward to establishing a mutually beneficial business relationship with you in the near future.