Economic impact of the photovoltaic industry in China after the financial crisis of 2009

Abstract

China's solar photovoltaic (PV) industry has developed rapidly in the past decade and currently has the world's largest production capacity. However, the Chinese domestic PV market accounts for less than 1 percent of worldwide installation. This article highlights the uniqueness and major benefits of PVs, discusses the impetus for the use of renewable energy, compares national policies promoting the use of solar PV energy, and examines the major barriers to the establishment of a domestic market. It also discusses market changes and government policies since the financial crisis in 2009 that have facilitated the development of the industry and market. It concludes that the growth of the solar PV industry offers social and economic benefits to the development of China.