Advantages
China is rich in solar energy resources, with a theoretical reserve of 1.7 billion tons of standard coal per year. The potential for solar energy development is vast, as the country spans over 5,000 kilometers from north to south and east to west. Most regions receive an average daily solar radiation of more than 4 kWh per square meter, while Tibet reaches up to 7 kWh per square meter. With annual sunshine hours exceeding 2,000, China's solar potential is comparable to that of the United States and far superior to Europe and Japan, making it one of the most promising countries for solar energy growth.
Development Path
Solar cell research in China began in 1958, and by 1959, the first practical solar cell was successfully developed. The photovoltaic power generation industry started in the 1970s, initially used in space applications, such as on the second satellite in 1971. By 1973, solar cells were being applied on the ground, and by 1979, monocrystalline silicon solar cells were being produced. After the mid-1990s, the industry entered a steady phase of development, with continuous growth in production capacity and output. In the early 21st century, the sector experienced rapid expansion, driven by technological progress and increasing demand.
China's photovoltaic industry has undergone two major transformations. The first occurred in the late 1980s, when the country introduced several solar cell production lines, boosting capacity from hundreds of kilowatts to 4.5 megawatts. This period saw strong government support. The second leap came after 2000, influenced by international projects and domestic initiatives like the "Guangming Project" and "Power Transmission to Townships," which promoted the use of solar technology. These efforts accelerated the industry's growth and established a complete supply chain.
By the end of 2007, China's total installed photovoltaic capacity reached 100 MW, with over 50 companies producing solar cells. Annual output reached 1,188 MW, surpassing Japan and Europe. The industry had built a full value chain, including polysilicon production, which broke through the 1,000-ton barrier, removing key bottlenecks. Despite rapid growth, challenges like overinvestment and lack of innovation remained.
In June 2009, a joint venture between China Guangdong Nuclear Power, Jiangsu Best Solar, and Belgian Enfinity won the first large-scale photovoltaic project in Dunhuang, Gansu, at a price of 1.09 yuan per kWh. This milestone marked a turning point, providing a benchmark for future grid-connected projects and supporting the development of national subsidy policies. It signaled the beginning of large-scale solar integration into the national grid.
Heilongjiang Junhe Building Materials Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.junhejiancai.com