AIKO has once again raised the bar for solar technology, unveiling the world’s first 500W solar panel under 2 square metres at All Energy Australia 2025. One month after its quiet debut at Smart Energy Queensland, the company showcased its complete Gen 3 Infinite Series portfolio, setting a new standard in high-efficiency solar for Australian homes, businesses, and large-scale projects.
A new milestone in efficiency
Leading the showcase was the new flagship NEOSTAR 3P 500W module, boasting an incredible 25% module efficiency in a standard format. This is a world first for any panel under 2 square metres, representing a significant leap in real-world performance and system value.
AIKO’s Head of ANZ, Thomas Bywater, said the milestone reflects the company’s mission to make top-tier technology accessible to all Australians.
“Back Contact technology has long been admired for its superior performance, yet its high cost has kept it out of reach for most everyday Australians,” Bywater said. “At AIKO, we believe advanced solar technology should not be an exclusive privilege. Our next-generation ABC products deliver world-class performance without the premium pricing, maximising returns for the families, businesses and communities who need it most.”
Strengthening partnerships and commitments
In a move that reinforces its growing presence across Australia and New Zealand, AIKO also announced a 1GW supply agreement with some of the nation’s most trusted solar distributors. Partners include Solar Juice, Tradezone, AC Solar Warehouse, Sol Distribution, and Lawrence & Hanson.
The agreement covers deliveries of AIKO’s third-generation All Back Contact (ABC) Infinite Series modules between 2026 and 2028. This long-term partnership demonstrates confidence in AIKO’s technology and commitment to supporting Australia’s accelerating demand for high-efficiency solar solutions.
Innovation that redefines what’s possible
The impressive performance of the Gen 3 Infinite Series is driven by AIKO’s patented Two-Step Passivation, a proprietary ABC cell process that independently optimises both the n-type and p-type layers. This dual-layer approach eliminates traditional efficiency bottlenecks, unlocking higher conversion rates and paving the way for true mass-produced Back Contact technology.
AIKO has also introduced Copper Interconnection, another world-first that replaces silver in cell manufacturing. This breakthrough improves conductivity and mechanical strength while offering a more sustainable material supply chain. Silver is one of the most expensive and limited materials in solar production, and AIKO’s shift to copper removes a major cost barrier without compromising reliability or performance.
Together, these innovations enable AIKO to achieve premium-level efficiency and durability at a more accessible price point, helping Australians get more value from their solar investment.
Back Contact (BC) technology, once a niche innovation, is now becoming the new global standard thanks to AIKO’s breakthroughs. With cost reductions and performance gains aligning, BC is rapidly being adopted across residential, commercial, and utility-scale sectors worldwide.
This shift is reshaping the global solar market. According to Dr Radovan Kopeček, Co-founder and Director of ISC Konstanz, a leading IBC research institute in Germany, conventional front-contact technologies like TOPCon could soon be overtaken.
“Back-contact solar module manufacturing capacity may reach 1 TW by 2030,” Dr Kopeček said in an interview with PV Magazine Australia. He predicted that BC modules could surpass front-contact technologies as early as 2027 or 2028, particularly as key IBC patents expire.
The growing interest from other Tier-1 manufacturers further supports this trend, creating a positive feedback loop where scaling drives down costs and accelerates global adoption.
Bywater said AIKO’s leadership and local partnerships position it to play a defining role in this transformation.
“As the industry moves toward Back Contact as the dominant technology pathway, AIKO’s manufacturing capability and distribution network position us to lead that transition in Australia,” he said. “Our partners are now equipped to deliver next-generation solar technology with the scale and support that large projects demand.”
Global leadership, local focus
AIKO’s success comes from a blend of deep R&D investment, disciplined execution, and a relentless pursuit of quality. Its gigawatt-level production capacity and stringent quality control processes mean that Australian customers can expect technology that performs as promised, even in the country’s harshest climates.
From high-density residential rooftops to large-scale solar farms, AIKO’s Gen 3 range delivers higher power output per square metre, improved temperature tolerance, and long-term reliability. The company’s local team continues to strengthen its presence across the region, ensuring that distributors and installers have access to technical support, training, and marketing resources to help them bring the latest technology to customers.
By redefining how premium efficiencies can be achieved affordably and sustainably, AIKO is not just building panels; it is helping shape a cleaner, more energy-independent future for Australia.
A new benchmark for performance and value
The introduction of the NEOSTAR 3P 500W module is more than a product release; it represents a new benchmark for what’s possible in solar efficiency. With the world’s first 500W module under 2 square metres, AIKO has demonstrated that cutting-edge performance and affordability can coexist.
As the company continues to expand its Gen 3 portfolio and distribution network, Australians can look forward to solar solutions that are smarter, stronger, and more sustainable than ever.
For homeowners, that means faster payback periods and higher daily yields. For businesses and utilities, it means increased scalability and lower operational costs. For everyone, it’s another step toward a cleaner and more efficient energy future.
See AIKO at All Energy Australia
What: All Energy Australia
When: 29 – 30 October 2025
Where: MCEC Melbourne
Booth: PP113
Product presentation
Product Presentation: ABC Infinite Series – Maximise Value for Every Project
Date & Time: 11AM, 29 October 2025
Location: AIKO Booth PP113
Speaker: Thomas Bywater, Head of AIKO ANZ
Register for free tickets.
