Space-computing push of Elon Musk’s SpaceX shines beam on China’s solar supply chain

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has been sounding out multiple Chinese solar suppliers in recent weeks, industry insiders and companies confirmed, as the world’s richest man advances his vision for space-based data centres powered by constant solar energy – drawing fresh attention to China’s solar supply chain.The discussions, which have not yet resulted in confirmed orders, triggered a rally in shares of several solar-related companies earlier this week, before sentiment cooled on Thursday.Analysts and industry insiders said the talks underscored the competitiveness of China’s solar sector and ignited public interest in space-based photovoltaics, though they cautioned that multiple technological routes remained under exploration and warned against excessive capital market hype.Companies that have publicly acknowledged contact include TCL’s subsidiary Zhonghuan, a maker of photovoltaic materials and solar cells; GCL Technology, a green-energy group with research in granular silicon and perovskite technologies; and Jinko Solar, a major photovoltaic module manufacturer. Solar heavyweight Longi Green Energy Technology and solar-equipment maker Maxwell Technologies have also been widely cited in market discussions.Jinko Solar said on Thursday that “space-based [photovoltaic technology] remains at a very early stage of technical exploration, with no clear solution, commercial projects or revenue”, warning investors of risks. Its Shanghai-listed shares fell more than 6 per cent on Thursday, snapping a two-day surge.China’s new photovoltaic installations are forecast to reach up to 240 gigawatts in 2026. Photo: Getty ImagesMusk had repeatedly argued that space-based computing was the only viable way to scale artificial intelligence, saying that terrestrial infrastructure would struggle to support the vast power and cooling requirements of AI data centres.