With a power output of up to 485 W and an efficiency of 24.2%, Aiko Solar’s new solar modules based on back contact (BC) technology stand out as one of the most relevant innovations presented at Intersolar Europe 2025, a trade fair held in Munich that brought together 2,737 exhibitors from 57 countries and over 107,000 professional visitors.

In this context, Juan José Argüelles, General Manager of the company for Southern Europe, explained that this marks a significant qualitative leap compared to the efficiency limits known until recently.
“Not long ago, it seemed impossible to exceed 23%, and today we already have products reaching 24.2%,” he emphasised in a conversation with Strategic Energy.

The executive indicated that Aiko’s evolution is structured into three technological generations. The first introduced modules with record efficiency, low temperature coefficient, low degradation, and high resistance to microcracks. The second generation added a unique shading optimisation technology, and the third, currently being rolled out, eliminates the gaps between cells using an overlapping design.
“This allows practically the entire surface of the panel to generate electricity,” Argüelles highlighted.

According to technical tests, this redesign can generate up to 6% more output compared to conventional modules.
“It depends on irradiation and ground conditions, but even on average, we’re talking about a very significant improvement,” he explained, adding that field customers have reported higher-than-expected yields.

From Cell Manufacturer to Module Leader

Aiko began operations in 2009 as a solar cell manufacturer, and in 2022, made the leap into module development, exclusively with its back contact technology.
“European expansion began in 2023, and we’ve already consolidated our residential and commercial & industrial distribution channels,” noted Argüelles.

In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Aiko has already shipped more than 2 GW of modules to Europe.
“We started in 2023 from zero, multiplied volume by six in 2024, and we expect to double it this year,” the executive revealed.

A Module for Every Segment: Efficiency and Aesthetics

Aiko at Intersolar Europe 2025.

The company offers a specific line for each segment:

For the residential market, the Full Black model (generation 2) stands out for its completely black design and high efficiency.
“Very high generation and also aesthetically very attractive, ideal for visible rooftops,” pointed out Argüelles.

In commercial & industrial, modules vary between 600 and 655 W, depending on size and application. For utility scale, Aiko offers bifacial models that reach 780 W with an efficiency of 24%.

Strong Entry into Utility and Strategic Projects in Europe and Africa

Although the first phase of Aiko’s European expansion focused on distributed generation, the company is now entering the utility segment with strength, with over 800 MW in signed contracts during Intersolar Europe 2025.
“We want customers to try our modules, see the added value, and incorporate them into their large-scale projects,” indicated Argüelles.

Among the most notable agreements is the one signed with Green Line Energy (Greece) for 340 MW, the largest BC technology project in Europe. In Africa, CrossBoundary Energy selected Aiko for the Kamoa project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (225 MW), aimed at supplying solar energy to mining operations, reducing emissions by over 78,000 tonnes annually.

Contracts were also announced with Versolvio d.o.o (200 MW) and Wisely Energy (50 MW).
“These agreements demonstrate the market’s growing confidence in both our BC technology and our ability to deliver greater efficiency, lower LCOE, and long-term reliability. Our goal remains to develop solutions that add value to our utility segment partners worldwide,” stated Justin Yuan, Vice President of Utility Business Overseas at Aiko.

Strategic Outlook on European Markets

Aiko’s utility expansion responds to growing demand for more efficient solutions with lower LCOE.
“In Italy, agrivoltaics is growing rapidly; in Spain, the pace depends on storage regulations; Greece is a strong utility market — each country has its own dynamic,” analysed Argüelles.

Asked about the challenges in the sector, he was clear:
“The European market is complex: there’s oversupply, falling prices, and a lot of competition. But once the customer tries the module, they come back. And that’s key.”

Aiko is also working on a concept module that will include integrated sensors to monitor temperature, voltage and current, sending data to an end-user app.
“From the sofa, the customer will be able to know if a module is underperforming and may need cleaning. All this optimises operation and maintenance,” he explained.

The functionality is still under development, but it represents another step in the company’s comprehensive vision.

“Aiko’s goal is to accelerate the transition to a carbon-free society, and that can only be achieved through innovation, efficiency and reliability,” affirmed Argüelles. In this regard, the recent agreements and European expansion consolidate its role as a key technology provider in utility and distributed generation.

“Back contact technology marks a new era in solar performance, and Aiko is leading that change,” he concluded.