Why are China's solar panels so low?

China's solar panel manufacturers have been calling for the government to step in and curb over-investment in the industry that has led to a plunge in prices of solar cells and modules, but prices have remained stubbornly low. The Reuters Power Up newsletter provides everything you need to know about the global energy industry. Sign up here.

Where are solar power plants located in China?

A large part of the solar power capacity installed in China is in the form of large PV power plants in the west of the country, an area much less populated than the eastern part but with better solar resources and available land.

How much solar energy is installed in China?

China's annual solar energy installations grew to 10 MW installed in 2006, increasing China's total installed solar energy capacity to 80 MW. Annual solar energy installations continued to grow, with 20 MW of capacity installed in 2007 and 40 MW installed in 2008.

What percentage of solar panels are made in China?

China alone produces at least 80 % of the main components of PVs. Also, more than 30 % of the cumulative installed capacity is in China, the top exporter of manufactured solar PVs in the World with competitive manufacturing costs that reached less than $0.24/W.