The PV trade dispute between China and Europe has officially come to an end, with both sides reaching a "not satisfied" agreement. While the external challenges facing China's photovoltaic industry have been temporarily eased, internal issues continue to linger. Following the bankruptcy of Wuxi Suntech, once a leading player in the sector, the market remains uncertain. The company’s massive debt burden has served as a cautionary tale for other major players like Tianhe Solar and Yingli Group. Suntech is not alone in this wave of industry consolidation—on August 7, the Jiangsu Photovoltaic Professional Committee reported that six global PV companies went bankrupt in July, including two Chinese firms, such as a subsidiary of Henderson Photovoltaic. It's clear that few PV companies can remain untouched during this large-scale reshuffle.
Since the crisis hit China's solar industry, it has become evident that the lack of collaboration among production, research, and academia has been a key issue. Innovation at both the technological and application levels is urgently needed. Recently, the State Council released the "Several Opinions on Promoting the Healthy Development of the Photovoltaic Industry," which sets targets for an average annual installed capacity of about 10 million kilowatts from 2013 to 2015, aiming to reach over 35 million kilowatts by 2015. The policy also emphasizes controlling the total manufacturing capacity, accelerating the elimination of outdated production lines, and promoting industrial restructuring and technological advancement.
The photovoltaic industry is now entering a phase of integration. During this time, Hanergy made headlines by acquiring the U.S. company GlobalSolarEnergy (GSE), becoming the first in the world to mass-produce flexible thin-film solar modules and securing a leading position in thin-film technology. Meanwhile, central enterprises such as the five major power companies, China Guangdong Nuclear Power, Three Gorges Group, SINOMACH, and China National Aviation Corporation are rapidly expanding their presence in the photovoltaic power station market, while private PV companies face significant challenges.
In August, the Solar Decathlon competition was held in Datong, Shanxi, marking the first time the event was co-sponsored by the Chinese National Energy Administration and the U.S. Department of Energy, along with support from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development. This international competition brought together students from around the world to explore zero-energy buildings, integrating energy-efficient lifestyles with smart and sustainable living. The event highlighted China's growing commitment to new energy applications and its efforts in energy conservation and emission reduction.
Zhang Yuqing, deputy director of the National Energy Administration, expressed strong confidence in the future of solar energy in China during the competition. He pointed out that the global installed capacity of solar photovoltaic power reached 101 million kilowatts in 2012, signaling the arrival of the era of large-scale solar energy use. He emphasized the need to integrate solar energy into urbanization, promote building energy efficiency, and advance the integration of photovoltaics into architecture.
As the host city, Datong’s mayor, Li Junming, outlined plans to adjust the city's industrial structure, leverage coal resources, and develop renewable energy. The city aims to become a national demonstration area for new energy, focusing on energy efficiency across industries, construction, and transportation. Datong’s transformation serves as a model for other cities seeking to shift toward sustainable development.
With the global push for new energy, many countries have valuable experiences to share. In Denmark, where energy self-sufficiency exceeds 150%, Zhou Fengqi noted the importance of grid flexibility in supporting renewable energy. Ouyang Lan from the U.S. Embassy highlighted the U.S. approach to photovoltaics, starting with early research, expanding markets, and encouraging consumer adoption through innovative financing models.
As the solar industry gradually recovers, leaders from top PV companies shared insights on how to navigate the current challenges. Gao Jifan of Trina Solar emphasized the need for innovation to reduce costs. Shu Hua of GCL-Poly stressed the importance of financial stability and corporate responsibility. Xu Xinjian of Sunrise East introduced the concept of “big light heat,†suggesting that solar thermal energy could open new markets. Wu Tingdong of JA Solar warned about rising trade barriers and local protectionism, but remained optimistic about the industry's future.
At the closing ceremony of the 2013 China International Solar Decathlon, teams from Australia, China, and Sweden showcased innovative solar-powered homes that combined energy efficiency with aesthetic design. These houses became a green landmark in Datong, attracting global attention. Richard Sikkim, founder of the Solar Decathlon, emphasized the event’s role in educating the market and promoting solar adoption. Yu Pingrong praised the event’s success, noting that millions learned about the potential of solar energy and energy-saving technologies.
Li Junfeng, chairman of the Renewable Energy Committee, highlighted the event’s impact on Datong’s transformation and the value of learning from international designs. For the first time, the competition integrated microgrids into the national grid, demonstrating the potential of decentralized energy systems. As China continues to push clean energy, the Solar Decathlon represents a promising step forward, driven by collaboration between education, research, and industry.
**Solar Decathlon Competition Introduction:**
The Solar Decathlon is a global competition for college students, organized by the U.S. Department of Energy. Its goal is to bring together top R&D and design teams to showcase how solar energy, energy efficiency, and architectural design can create functional, comfortable, and sustainable living spaces. By proving that solar-powered homes can be both practical and elegant, the competition promotes innovation in energy conservation and emission reduction.
Held initially only in the U.S. and Europe, SD China marked the first time the event took place in Asia, drawing 22 teams from 35 countries and 35 universities. The competition featured both independent and multinational teams, showcasing talent from diverse fields such as design, engineering, environmental science, and materials. Many cutting-edge technologies were tested, and the houses built were open to the public, making it a popular and influential event in the solar energy space.
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