SHANGHAI, June 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AIKO Energy has announced a series of developments at SNEC 2026 that strengthen its position in the Australian solar market, including multiple distribution MOUs with local partners, recognition as Top Brand PV 2026 Australia by EUPD Research, and arrival to Australia of healthy stocks of 500W – the first solar module in under 2m² at 25% efficiency.
Multiple Distribution MOUs Signed at SNEC 2026
At SNEC 2026 in Shanghai, the world's largest photovoltaic trade exhibition, AIKO signed multiple memoranda of understanding with Australian distribution partners for its third and fourth generation Neostar 54 cell module series. The agreements are designed to widen access to high efficiency ABC modules across residential and commercial segments, while supporting availability through major states and territories nationwide.
The new generations extend AIKO's proprietary n-type ABC architecture with further advances in copper electroplating metallisation. By eliminating silver dependency, AIKO is addressing one of the industry's most persistent supply and cost pressures, while keeping high performance solar more financially accessible for Australian households and businesses. AIKO is the first manufacturer in the world to achieve this at commercial scale, having shipped silver-free ABC modules in gigawatts globally.
On the same occasion, AIKO received the Top Brand PV 2026 Australia designation from EUPD Research, demonstrating its growing strength and recognition in the Australian solar market.
Two years after entering the Australian market, AIKO has established a presence that many solar brands take far longer to build. The company was voted number one Installer Choice on SolarQuotes in its first year on market and now accounts for close to 20% of active monthly solar proposals nationally*, reflecting strong traction with installers and growing recognition among Australian homeowners.
World's First 500W 25% Efficiency Module Under 2m², Now Available in Australia
First introduced at All Energy Conference last year, the highest power class of AIKO's third generation Infinite series has now officially arrived in Australia. The Neostar 3P54 delivers 500W at positive power tolerance and 25% module efficiency in a compact 1762 x 1134 mm footprint, making it the world's first module to achieve this milestone.
This breakthrough is driven by innovations in cell architecture, including Zero Gap and Invisi-Ribbon technology, which maximise active light absorption and bring 93.5% of the module surface into power generation. The result is a significant leap beyond conventional front contact technologies like PERC and TOPCon, setting a new benchmark for residential solar performance.
The significance goes beyond a specification. As Australia's solar rebate scheme reduces with rising installed capacity, the value of a solar system increasingly comes down to how much energy a fixed roof area can generate over its lifetime. For homeowners, a panel delivering 500W where others deliver 460W to 470W means more usable energy, lower bills, and stronger returns. For installers, it enables higher system capacity per roof, creating a clear point of differentiation in a competitive market and allowing them to win by quality without reducing price.
Triple-Certified for Extreme Australian Conditions
AIKO's 54-cell Neostar series has this month added cyclone approval to its existing hail and coastal salt mist credentials, completing a triple certification across Australia's most demanding climate conditions.
Cyclone testing was conducted by Albright Consulting Engineers in Darwin under Australian static wind load methodology, with both the full black and black frame variants independently assessed and each receiving its own verified result confirming structural integrity across wind regions C and D.
On hail, AIKO holds TÜV Rheinland certification to 40 mm, well above the 25 mm IEC industry standard and among the most stringent hail ratings available for a residential solar module. For coastal installations, the ABC Gen 3 modules carry IEC 61701 Salt Mist certification at Severity Level 6, the highest standard, with selected models also achieving Method 8, the most demanding protocol within that standard.
"We test our products to beyond Australian standards because this market expects more than a generic lab result," said Thomas Bywater, Head of Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia, AIKO Energy. "By testing under Australian conditions and engineering methods, we want to prove that AIKO is ready for the type of roofs, weather conditions, and performance expectations that matter here, and that we are willing to go above and beyond to give installers and homeowners the confidence to choose us."
Gen 3 500W modules are now available in Australia through AIKO authorised distributors. Pricing and additional information are available at https://s.zoom.us/m/bPFbnL5dh
*OpenSolar data 2026
About AIKO Energy
AIKO is a global, BNEF Tier 1 renewable energy leader renowned for its proprietary high-efficiency ABC (All Back Contact) solar products that combine world‑class efficiency, advanced reliability and premium aesthetics. With more than 190 GW of cumulative cell and module shipments, over 10,000 employees, and more than 1,000 patents, AIKO has built a strong global footprint across residential, commercial, and utility scale solar.
In Australia, AIKO was voted Best Solar Panels in the 2025 SolarQuotes Installers' Choice Awards and has held the No. 1 commercial module efficiency ranking on TaiyangNews since March 2023.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
AIKO Reinforces Long-Term Commitment to Australia at SNEC 2026 with Multiple Distribution MOUs, Top Brand PV Award, and New Market Milestones
AIKO Reinforces Long-Term Commitment to Australia at SNEC 2026 with Multiple Distribution MOUs, Top Brand PV Award, and New Market Milestones
AIKO Reinforces Long-Term Commitment to Australia at SNEC 2026 with Multiple Distribution MOUs, Top Brand PV Award, and New Market Milestones
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NHA TRANG, Vietnam, June 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Castrol Superbike Fest 2026 recently brought together more than 2,300 riders, 106 motorcycle clubs and participants from 19 countries, demonstrating the power of community in connecting riders across the Asia-Pacific region.
Held in Nha Trang, Vietnam from 29 to 31 May 2026, the festival united riders, workshop owners, motorcycle enthusiasts, industry partners, key opinion leaders (KOLs) and leading motorcycle manufacturers through a shared passion for riding culture, performance and innovation.
Built around the theme "One Ride, One Connection," the festival reflects Castrol's commitment to supporting and growing riding communities beyond products alone. Through shared experiences, technical engagement and community-led activities, the Castrol Superbike Fest has evolved into one of the region's largest platforms dedicated to bringing riders together across borders, cultures and generations.
Leading motorcycle manufacturers participated in the event, while Castrol Homeland activations and Castrol BikePoint workshop demonstrations gave riders direct access to technical expertise, maintenance support and performance-focused insights.
Riders also had the opportunity to experience Castrol POWER1 Ultimate Superbike, a premium lubricant engineered for high-performance superbikes. Designed to deliver strong performance and protection under demanding riding conditions, the product reflects Castrol's commitment to supporting riders with technology that enhances riding confidence and performance.
As the festival's Diamond Sponsor and driving force behind the initiative, Castrol worked alongside organisers, partners and local stakeholders to create an experience that celebrated riding culture while strengthening connections across the wider superbike ecosystem. Through immersive brand experiences, technical workshops and opportunities for riders to engage directly with experts, Castrol reinforced its long-standing commitment to supporting riders both on and off the road.
Beyond the event itself, the Castrol Superbike Fest community continues to grow. The festival's Facebook community has surpassed 22,100 registered members, creating one of the region's largest dedicated digital platforms for superbike enthusiasts to share experiences, exchange knowledge and stay connected throughout the year. The event also generated strong organic social buzz through rider-generated content, livestreams and community-driven storytelling, extending conversations beyond the festival grounds and reaching wider social media audiences across the Asia-Pacific region.
Victor Cheong, Vice President Marketing, Castrol Asia Pacific said, "The Castrol Superbike Fest is more than an event. It is a platform that brings together riders who share a passion for performance, adventure and community. The success of this year's festival demonstrates the strength of riding culture across Asia-Pacific and the role meaningful experiences can play in connecting people across borders. At Castrol, we are proud to support and invest in communities that continue to inspire, educate and unite riders around a shared love of motorcycling. Seeing more than 2,300 riders from 19 countries come together under the spirit of 'One Ride, One Connection' reflects exactly what this festival was created to achieve."
For more than 125 years, Castrol has supported riders, racers and engineers around the world. Through initiatives such as the Castrol Superbike Fest, the company continues to demonstrate how brands can play a meaningful role in strengthening communities, advancing riding culture and creating opportunities for riders to connect through a shared passion.
The success of the Castrol Superbike Fest 2026 also highlights the growing appeal of Vietnam as a destination for international lifestyle and motorsports events, contributing to tourism, cultural exchange and regional connectivity.
As riders returned home carrying memories of new friendships, experiences and journeys, the Castrol Superbike Fest 2026 demonstrated that while riders may come from different countries and backgrounds, they remain connected by one common spirit — One Ride, One Connection.
The Organising Committee extends its appreciation to all riders, motorcycle clubs, partners, sponsors, volunteers, local authorities and members of the community whose support contributed to the success of the festival.
The journey continues, and the Castrol Superbike Fest community looks forward to reconnecting with riders from across the region at future editions of the festival.
The festival is supported by Castrol BP Petco Co., Ltd. as Diamond Sponsor, alongside a range of regional, international and media partners across mobility, lifestyle and consumer sectors.
About Castrol
Castrol, one of the world's leading lubricant brands, has a proud heritage of innovation and fuelling the dreams of pioneers. Our passion for performance, combined with a philosophy of working in partnership, has enabled Castrol to develop lubricants and greases that have been at the heart of numerous technological feats on land, air, sea and space for over 125 years.
Castrol is part of the bp group and serves customers and consumers in the automotive, marine, industrial and energy sectors. Our branded products are recognised globally for innovation and high performance through our commitment to premium quality and cutting-edge technology.
NHA TRANG, Vietnam, June 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Castrol Superbike Fest 2026 recently brought together more than 2,300 riders, 106 motorcycle clubs and participants from 19 countries, demonstrating the power of community in connecting riders across the Asia-Pacific region.
Held in Nha Trang, Vietnam from 29 to 31 May 2026, the festival united riders, workshop owners, motorcycle enthusiasts, industry partners, key opinion leaders (KOLs) and leading motorcycle manufacturers through a shared passion for riding culture, performance and innovation.
Built around the theme "One Ride, One Connection," the festival reflects Castrol's commitment to supporting and growing riding communities beyond products alone. Through shared experiences, technical engagement and community-led activities, the Castrol Superbike Fest has evolved into one of the region's largest platforms dedicated to bringing riders together across borders, cultures and generations.
Leading motorcycle manufacturers participated in the event, while Castrol Homeland activations and Castrol BikePoint workshop demonstrations gave riders direct access to technical expertise, maintenance support and performance-focused insights.
Riders also had the opportunity to experience Castrol POWER1 Ultimate Superbike, a premium lubricant engineered for high-performance superbikes. Designed to deliver strong performance and protection under demanding riding conditions, the product reflects Castrol's commitment to supporting riders with technology that enhances riding confidence and performance.
As the festival's Diamond Sponsor and driving force behind the initiative, Castrol worked alongside organisers, partners and local stakeholders to create an experience that celebrated riding culture while strengthening connections across the wider superbike ecosystem. Through immersive brand experiences, technical workshops and opportunities for riders to engage directly with experts, Castrol reinforced its long-standing commitment to supporting riders both on and off the road.
Beyond the event itself, the Castrol Superbike Fest community continues to grow. The festival's Facebook community has surpassed 22,100 registered members, creating one of the region's largest dedicated digital platforms for superbike enthusiasts to share experiences, exchange knowledge and stay connected throughout the year. The event also generated strong organic social buzz through rider-generated content, livestreams and community-driven storytelling, extending conversations beyond the festival grounds and reaching wider social media audiences across the Asia-Pacific region.
Victor Cheong, Vice President Marketing, Castrol Asia Pacific said, "The Castrol Superbike Fest is more than an event. It is a platform that brings together riders who share a passion for performance, adventure and community. The success of this year's festival demonstrates the strength of riding culture across Asia-Pacific and the role meaningful experiences can play in connecting people across borders. At Castrol, we are proud to support and invest in communities that continue to inspire, educate and unite riders around a shared love of motorcycling. Seeing more than 2,300 riders from 19 countries come together under the spirit of 'One Ride, One Connection' reflects exactly what this festival was created to achieve."
For more than 125 years, Castrol has supported riders, racers and engineers around the world. Through initiatives such as the Castrol Superbike Fest, the company continues to demonstrate how brands can play a meaningful role in strengthening communities, advancing riding culture and creating opportunities for riders to connect through a shared passion.
The success of the Castrol Superbike Fest 2026 also highlights the growing appeal of Vietnam as a destination for international lifestyle and motorsports events, contributing to tourism, cultural exchange and regional connectivity.
As riders returned home carrying memories of new friendships, experiences and journeys, the Castrol Superbike Fest 2026 demonstrated that while riders may come from different countries and backgrounds, they remain connected by one common spirit — One Ride, One Connection.
The Organising Committee extends its appreciation to all riders, motorcycle clubs, partners, sponsors, volunteers, local authorities and members of the community whose support contributed to the success of the festival.
The journey continues, and the Castrol Superbike Fest community looks forward to reconnecting with riders from across the region at future editions of the festival.
The festival is supported by Castrol BP Petco Co., Ltd. as Diamond Sponsor, alongside a range of regional, international and media partners across mobility, lifestyle and consumer sectors.
About Castrol
Castrol, one of the world's leading lubricant brands, has a proud heritage of innovation and fuelling the dreams of pioneers. Our passion for performance, combined with a philosophy of working in partnership, has enabled Castrol to develop lubricants and greases that have been at the heart of numerous technological feats on land, air, sea and space for over 125 years.
Castrol is part of the bp group and serves customers and consumers in the automotive, marine, industrial and energy sectors. Our branded products are recognised globally for innovation and high performance through our commitment to premium quality and cutting-edge technology.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Castrol Superbike Fest 2026 Unites More Than 2,300 Riders Across Asia-Pacific, Celebrating the Spirit of "One Ride, One Connection"
