Why is solar power a problem in northwest China?

Most of the solar power in Northwest China is generated inutility-scale solar power plants, which led to power production that exceeded the targeted level in recent years. At the same time, the local demand for electricity was not growing enough to match with the rise of power supply.

How big is China's solar capacity?

As a result of multiple measures and projects over time, the cumulative installed solar capacity in China reached 43GW in 2015–which is substantially higher than the 35GW target set in 2013–and 205GW in 2019.

Why is solar energy important in China?

Since the Hu Jintao regime, and highlighted further under Xi Jinping, China has sought to transform its economy through the huge investment in innovative technology. What is unique about solar energy in China is that it was an important export industry in the early 2000s, before it emerged as a critical renewable energy industry.

Will residential solar be included in the grid-parity umbrella in China?

However, there is increasing uncertainty in the market about the future of residential solar in China once the current program is phased out next year, which means that the residential segment will also be included in the grid-parity umbrella, as is the current status of commercial and utility installations.

Is solar power overcapacity in China?

Since the solar power rejection problem was mostly concentrated in Northwest China, lacking specific solutions for certain regions cannot effectively solve the origin of the problem. The previously high curtailment rate revealed that solar power is currently at overcapacity in China.

Which country installed the most solar panels in 2022?

According to data from Solar Power Europe, China doubled-down on its position as the market leader in 2022, installing more than four times as much solar PV capacity as the second-largest market, the United States ( ). Actually, China’s additions in 2022 surpassed the combined capacity added by the other top nine markets.