Strong Performance, Faster Payback: Tiger Neo 3.0 Powers Central Asia’s Solar Mainstream Ambition – Idris Mu, Sales Manager, Central Asia – Jinko Solar

Central Asia (e.g., Uzbekistan, Tajikistan) is at a critical stage of energy transition. How do you think Tiger Neo 3.0, compared to 2.0, can better meet the dual demands of low LCOE and high reliability for large-scale PV tenders in the region?

A:Tiger Neo 3.0 is specifically optimized to meet the dual requirements of low LCOE and high reliability for utility-scale projects in Central Asia. Compared to 2.0, it delivers higher power output and efficiency, enabling higher installed capacity under the same land conditions and reducing BOS costs, including structure, cabling, and installation. In addition, with higher module power, fewer modules are required, which significantly reduces logistics costs, especially considering the relatively high inland transportation costs in Central Asia. Meanwhile, improved temperature performance and lower degradation contribute to higher lifetime energy yield, effectively reducing LCOE. In terms of reliability, Tiger Neo 3.0 features upgraded cell technology, encapsulation structure, and circuit design, ensuring lower first-year degradation and more stable linear degradation, and is designed to support 30 years of stable operation.

Parts of Central Asia experience extremely cold winters, hot summers, and most PV projects are located in gobi or semi-desert areas. What specific technical improvements does Tiger Neo 3.0 offer over 2.0 to handle extreme temperature variations and heavy sand/dust conditions?

A:Central Asia features extreme temperature variations, high summer temperatures, and strong desert wind and sand conditions. This is particularly critical in regions such as Khorezm in western Uzbekistan, where desert environments impose higher requirements on module durability. Compared to 2.0, Tiger Neo 3.0 has been further optimized with an improved temperature coefficient to reduce performance loss under high temperatures, enhanced low-temperature performance to increase energy yield in cold seasons, upgraded anti-abrasion glass for better resistance to sand impact, optimized sealing structures to prevent dust ingress, reinforced mechanical strength for harsh environments, and improved module design to reduce dust accumulation and maintenance frequency, ensuring long-term stable operation.

From your customer conversations, what are the main expectations or concerns that local developers and EPC partners in Central Asia have about Tiger Neo 3.0 before its full deployment? How do you address their questions regarding the transition from 2.0 to 3.0?

From our communication with local developers and EPC partners, expectations mainly include higher power output and improved return on investment, better durability in harsh environments, and compatibility with existing systems. At the same time, concerns focus on limited field data for new products, relatively higher initial pricing, and integration with existing projects. To address this, we are adopting a gradual transition strategy by continuing 2.0 for ongoing projects to ensure stable delivery, while gradually introducing 3.0 for new projects. We also provide mixed-installation solutions with technical support, continuously share field performance data and third-party reports, and implement flexible pricing strategies to reduce the upgrade barrier.

How are you and your team preparing the Central Asian market for Tiger Neo 3.0 through pilot projects, technical seminars, or financing support? Do you have any “early adopter” or pilot programs in place?

A:Uzbekistan is currently experiencing rapid growth in utility-scale solar development, with large-scale projects actively promoted this year. At the same time, Jinko has established a strong presence in the local C&I and residential markets, with a market share exceeding 60 percent. Based on this foundation, we are promoting Tiger Neo 3.0 by cooperating with local partners and inverter suppliers to organize technical roadshows and product introduction events, launching local advertising campaigns, participating in exhibitions and large-scale industry events, and developing pilot projects to generate localized performance data. In addition, we are establishing an official Instagram account to share product insights, including comparative testing between new and old modules as well as comparisons with BC technology, helping customers better understand the advantages of 3.0. Meanwhile, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are emerging as high-potential markets for future utility-scale solar development in Central Asia.

For existing Central Asian customers already using Tiger Neo 2.0, what would be the most compelling quantitative reason (e.g., higher energy yield, lower O&M costs, or improved IRR) for them to upgrade to 3.0 once it becomes available?

A:For existing customers, upgrading to Tiger Neo 3.0 brings clear and measurable financial benefits. The annual energy yield can increase by approximately 3.5 percent to 5 percent, with lower degradation and more stable long-term performance, as well as reduced O&M costs. Overall, this typically results in an IRR improvement in the range of approximately 1 percent to 2 percent, depending on project-specific conditions, and a payback period shortened by approximately 6 to 10 months.