中经评论：光伏业反内卷向外延才能赢未来

Core Viewpoint - The photovoltaic (PV) industry is facing severe challenges due to low-price competition and quality inconsistencies, prompting regulatory bodies in China to take action to promote quality over quantity in the sector [1][2][3]. Group 1: Industry Challenges - The current low-price competition is squeezing profit margins for companies, forcing them to cut R&D investments, which threatens long-term sustainability and innovation [2]. - The "bad money drives out good" effect is evident, where high-quality producers are losing market share to low-cost competitors, leading to a slowdown in technological upgrades and instability in the supply chain [2]. - The industry is experiencing a misallocation of social capital due to homogeneous competition, exacerbating the overall challenges faced by the sector [2]. Group 2: Regulatory Actions - Six government departments have convened to address the chaotic competition in the PV industry, focusing on establishing a "red-green light" system to regulate project approvals based on energy efficiency, environmental standards, and technological benchmarks [3]. - The aim is to create a fair market environment by curbing improper competition practices, such as selling below cost, thereby allowing companies to compete on technology, efficiency, and brand management [3]. - Industry self-regulation is emphasized as a crucial step towards maturity, with industry associations playing a key role in maintaining market order and promoting compliance among companies [3]. Group 3: Future Directions - Companies are encouraged to transform internal competition into external growth by focusing on technological innovation, which can redefine cost structures and escape the price war [4]. - Expanding into new application scenarios can create new demand and reduce system costs, allowing for better pricing strategies [4]. - The shift from merely selling components to offering comprehensive solutions and services in the global market is essential for enhancing value chains and achieving higher profit margins [4]. - Building a collaborative ecosystem among industry players is vital for long-term sustainability, as it allows for shared risks and collective innovation [4]. Group 4: Historical Perspective - Historical trends indicate that every restructuring in the PV industry presents opportunities, and moving away from zero-sum competition towards value co-creation is essential for maintaining leadership in the global market [5].