China Creates World's Largest Solar Energy Industry

Dec 13, 2007 - SinoCast

As the world's largest consumer and producer of solar water heaters, China ranks the global No.1 by its solar energy industry size, according to the National Reform and Development Committee (NRDC).

The nation's annual solar water heater production capacity reached 15 million square meters by the end of 2006. The total heat collecting surface area of solar water heaters in use amounted to 100 million square meters, both the largest in the world. With over 1,000 solar water heater companies and an annual production value of nearly CNY 12 billion, the country has already formed a complete solar energy industrial chain, said the NRDC.

Meanwhile, there are over 20 solar cell and accessories factories in the country with an annual production capacity of 1,500 mega-kilowatts. China's solar giant Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) has become one of the top 10 listed companies in the global photovoltaic industry.

In addition, the nation also makes wide use of solar thermal energies such as solar room, solar cooker and solar greenhouse.