AIKO signs 1 GW Gen 4 solar module agreements in Australia

AIKO has signed agreements covering 1 GW of Gen 4 all-back-contact solar modules, the China-headquartered manufacturer said at All Energy Australia 2026, where it also debuted the range ahead of local release. The agreements represent a module-sales pipeline, not commissioned generating capacity.

AIKO, which describes itself as a manufacturer of all-back-contact modules and integrated solar-storage solutions, said installer and customer demand drove the agreements. It also said 1 GW of its panels had already been delivered to Australian rooftop and grid-scale projects.

What changes in Gen 4?

The Gen 4 ABC 4.0 INFINITE Ultra cell incorporates six process upgrades that raise average production cell efficiency from 27.2% to 27.4%. At panel level, zero-gap cells, hidden rear connections called InvisiRibbon and tighter string spacing reduce non-generating area by about 20%, leaving 97% of the surface to produce power.

AIKO says every ABC INFINITE Ultra series format gains up to 20 W over the previous generation at exactly the same size and weight. The company puts the gain at up to 30 W per panel against a TOPCon panel of the same dimensions.

AIKO released three headline specifications:

• The 60-cell panel measures 1,954 by 1,134 mm and reaches 560 W.
• The 72-cell panel measures 2,382 by 1,134 mm and reaches 700 W at 25.9% efficiency, which AIKO identifies as the highest in the range.
• The 66-cell bifacial panel reaches 670 W and up to 85% bifaciality, addressing rear-side generation weakness. AIKO says the format suits high-albedo sites, carports, ground-mounted systems and solar farms.

What does AIKO’s Australian demand look like?

AIKO ANZ Head Thomas Bywater said the company was proud to have delivered its first gigawatt of ABC solar to Australian homes and become the panel of choice in under three years.

Bywater said: “As Australia moves to unlock its ‘missing middle’ through the expanded rebate for systems up to 1 MW, AIKO is working closely with its distribution partners to bring high-efficiency solar solutions to commercial rooftops, helping Australian businesses access the full value of solar.”

Bywater’s “missing middle” reference linked to a new $100 million renewable-energy program and an expanded rebate for systems up to 1 MW.

AIKO also said it would expand its local team in response to market growth, focus on commercial and industrial and utility-scale solar, and build a stronger presence in New Zealand.

Alex Hang, AIKO head of APAC, described the company’s arrival in Australia when back-contact technology was new to most installers.

Hang said: “Today, it is the panel so many of them choose for their own roofs. That journey belongs to the partners, installers and customers across Australia and New Zealand who put their trust in AIKO early. With Gen 4 and a growing local team, we are ready to deliver and ready to scale.”

What did AIKO show at the event?

AIKO displayed a solar carport with Canyon Solar, a Mittagong, New South Wales, company that designs prefabricated, modular solar canopies. The demonstration structure used AIKO panels.

AIKO said the canopy gives facilities with limited roof space a way to generate more clean energy from space they already have.

The company also reported that it had become the No. 1 panel brand in OpenSolar quoting, with close to 20% of active monthly solar proposals nationwide.

SolarQuotes’ Installers’ Choice Awards ranked AIKO No. 1 in both 2025 and 2026. SolarCalculator’s 2026 Solar Installer Survey named it the best panel, with an average score of 9.4 out of 10.

What must happen before Gen 4 reaches buyers?

Clean Energy Council listing is the gating milestone for Australian sales. AIKO said Gen 4 panels will become available in Australia following listing, making the regulatory step the next commercial checkpoint before the signed 1 GW can move into shipments. AIKO gave no listing or shipment date.

The next decisive step is Clean Energy Council listing, followed by local availability and shipments against the 1 GW agreements.