China's National Energy Administration has set minimum energy conversion rates for PV modules used in PV systems and PV power-generating stations subject to subsidies offered by the central government.
Minimum energy conversion rates are 15.5% for PV modules made of polycrystalline silicon solar cells and 16% for those made of monocrystalline solar cells. In addition, one year after the modules begin operating, energy conversion rates cannot degrade by 2.5%, 3% and 5% for PV modules made of polycrystalline cells, monocrystalline cells and thin-film PV modules, respectively.
Specifically for government-supported PV module makers which intend to lead technological improvements, energy conversion rates should exceed 17% and 16.5% for PV modules made of monocrystalline and polycrystalline cells, respectively, and 10% for thin-film PV modules.