Across the globe, emerging use cases such as space capsules, luxury RVs, MPV off-road vehicles, wilderness camping, lakeside fishing, outdoor cooking, orchard and farm operations, island travel, yacht fishing, and commercial fishing vessels are collectively fueling a new and promising market: the Smart DC Microgrid. This market is best characterized by four key elements: solar generation, energy storage, direct current (DC) power, and intelligent control—or in short, “Light, Storage, DC, and Flexibility.”
I. Scenario-Driven Demand: “Light, Storage, DC, and Flexibility” Comes into Its Own
In many of these application scenarios, traditional AC grid electricity is either impractical or economically unviable. A natural alternative is the combination of solar PV generation, lithium battery storage, and DC power distribution. Since lithium batteries inherently output DC electricity, a growing range of compatible DC appliances has emerged to meet these needs—including outdoor emergency lighting, DC kettles, DC coffee makers, DC refrigerators, DC air conditioners, DC induction cooktops, DC baby bottle warmers, DC mosquito-repellent lamps, electric mountain bikes, electric dirt bikes, wearable health monitors for blood oxygen, blood pressure and blood sugar, DC cooling vests, GPS-enabled distress devices, and digital field communication systems.
While China’s outdoor recreation and camping market started relatively late, it has grown rapidly. Compared to more mature overseas markets, domestic penetration remains low, but the growth potential is substantial. With rising incomes, advances in communication and GPS technologies, supportive policies, and improved infrastructure, outdoor activities such as hiking and camping are gaining momentum in China, attracting more consumers eager to experience the joys of nature.
image: The Rise of “Light, Storage, DC, and Flexibility” – Smart DC Microgrids Are Unlocking a Trillion-Yuan Blue Ocean Market
II. The Rise of China’s Outdoor Economy: Unleashing Enormous Growth Potential
China’s outdoor economy has already achieved a significant scale. From January to November 2024, the market size for outdoor products on major e-commerce platforms reached 105.33 billion yuan, marking a 25.7% year-on-year growth—a strong indicator of robust market momentum. Apparel and gear continue to be the top consumer categories, accounting for over 70% of total sales. Meanwhile, social media platforms like Douyin and Xiaohongshu are seeing surging discussions around outdoor activities, further signaling the sector’s promising potential for expansion.
According to Liu Kun, Chairman of Leaguer Microelectronics, “Even large appliances with compressors—such as air conditioners and refrigerators—can be powered by DC voltage. Compared to traditional AC-powered devices, DC appliances offer a much simpler power design, eliminate issues like reactive power and EMI interference, and are safer, simpler, and more cost-effective. DC-powered appliances represent a new growth frontier for both traditional and emerging companies. Since this market is still taking shape, competition remains relatively low, making it a highly promising blue ocean for future growth.”
III. Platform Building and Technological Breakthroughs: Unlocking the Blue Ocean Opportunity
To support the healthy and sustainable development of the smart DC microgrid market, the Yeehai Global Institute is initiating a cross-industry platform that help industrial design firms, solution providers, semiconductor manufacturers, distributors, EMS providers, e-commerce players, and channel partners. This Smart DC Microgrid Platform will not only host thematic salons and forums, but also guide participants in formulating industry standards, fostering collaborative growth across sectors.
The platform’s ultimate goal is to help participating companies move beyond selling individual products—to selling complete systems. By combining forces and leveraging each member’s distribution channels, participating firms can drive higher revenues and greater profitability together.
Enterprises interested in joining the Smart DC Microgrid Platform are welcome to connect with ChinaExportsemi Editor-in-Chief Jake Chen on WeChat at jakechenlu for more information.
