In an increasingly uncertain solar market, financial resilience has become a key tool for navigating volatility. According to Mercom Capital, global corporate financing in the first quarter of 2025 dropped by 41% compared to the same period last year. Regulatory instability, cross-border tariffs, and political uncertainty have taken a toll on the financials of many players in the sector.

In this context, Yingli Solar has based its strategy on three core pillars: mature technology, personalized service, and a robust financial structure. “We’re facing a complex and challenging environment. The industry is oversupplied with panels, so we must stand out through innovation, service, and financial strength,” explained Luis Contreras, Executive Director for Latin America and Spain, in an interview with Strategic Energy Europe during Intersolar Europe 2025.

Contreras emphasized that the company’s operational debt ratio is “very healthy,” which provides customers with strong assurances regarding bankability, contractual reliability, and long-term support. “Our focus is to keep growing alongside our long-term clients—IPPs, utilities, and strategic distributors with whom we have lasting partnerships,” he added.

The interview took place at Intersolar Europe 2025, held in Munich, Germany, from May 7 to 9. The event featured 2,737 exhibitors from 57 countries and welcomed over 107,000 industry professionals from 157 countries. During the event, Contreras estimated that Yingli Solar will ship 25 GW of the 30 GW it produces annually, in line with 2024 volumes. “We’re not planning to expand production capacity. The focus is on maintaining current levels while improving efficiency, service, and strategic alliances,” he noted.

Yingli Solar team during Intersolar 2025

Of the total shipments, 70% go to the Chinese market, 20% to Europe, and the remaining 10% to Latin America, Australia, and South Africa. “Europe is our most important market outside China,” he highlighted, pointing to key countries like Italy, Germany, the UK, and Spain—though acknowledging signs of slowdown in the latter. Still, major players in countries such as Australia, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina continue to lead the development of large-scale projects.

Power, Efficiency, and Carbon Footprint: A Commitment to N-Type TopCon

On the technology front, Yingli remains committed to N-Type TopCon, recognized for its advantages in cost-effectiveness, efficiency, low degradation, and thermal performance. “We continue to support this technology because, for mass production, it still offers the most competitive costs,” said Contreras.

The company’s product portfolio caters to diverse market segments, offering modules ranging from 450 Wp to 730 Wp, with efficiencies up to 23.5%. “In utility-scale projects, we’re seeing efficiencies of 23.1% and 23.2%, and up to 23.5% in our largest modules,” he noted.

In March, the company announced that four of its bifacial, glass-glass modules were certified under France’s Certisolis carbon footprint standard. With an intensity of just 400 kg CO₂ eq/kWc, Yingli ranks among the top ten global manufacturers with the lowest carbon footprints. “We believe this also helps drive our customers’ development, as they increasingly consider the emissions performance of their suppliers,” the company emphasized.

In markets like France, this certification not only strengthens environmental credentials but also enhances scores in public tenders and boosts the valuation of PPA-backed assets.

Energy Storage: Growth Through Partnerships

As energy storage becomes a strategic priority in the wake of critical events like Spain’s recent blackout, Yingli is addressing this segment through partnerships. While the company doesn’t yet offer in-house storage solutions, it collaborates with technology partners to provide tailored options based on project needs.

“Right now, we’re offering solutions through tech partners that can meet specific customer demands,” said Contreras. With markets like the UK, Chile, and Germany advancing toward hybrid energy models, Yingli aims to stay competitive in this new phase of the energy transition—leveraging its strategic partnerships and reinforcing its role as a trusted solar module provider.