China solar

Longi Green Energy Technology has revealed plans to invest CNY 1.95 billion ($299.5 million) in the construction of a 5 GW solar module assembly plant in eastern China.

Following the surprise removal of a grace period for PV rooftop projects last month, China reportedly saw over 500 MW of DG solar grid connected on December 29, after developers worked to secure 2017 FIT rates. Overall, EnergyTrend estimates DG capacity to be over 19 GW in 2017.

China is likely to experience another solar PV installation rush in H1 2018, as the June 30 FIT deadline looms, although it will not reach more than 7.2 GW, says EnergyTrend. Q4 is, however, expected to see “hectic” activity topping 20 GW ahead of a December 30 deadline.

Trade cases, insolvencies, record-breaking low auction prices, China’s eye watering installation rates – all this and more characterized the 2017 solar PV industry. pv magazine reflects on the biggest stories, trends and developments of the past year; and summarizes what the industry can expect in 2018.

The estimated 34 GW is far more than analysts had predicted, and nearly doubled the nation’s installed solar capacity.

While much of this decline is due to lower system costs, it was a difficult year for the solar industry despite a 20% growth in installation capacity.

Country’s National Energy Administration confirms in blueprint document plans to spend 2.5 trillion yuan on developing its solar, wind, hydro and nuclear power sectors, Reuters reports.

The New Development Bank, a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS nations, has sanctioned its first loan agreement – $75.6 million financing for a 100 MW Chinese solar farm.

China’s NEA has officially dropped the target to at least 105 GW by 2020, as well as setting goals for the PV industry and indicating that it will emphasize projects in Eastern China and the region around Beijing.