Why is China focusing more on solar photovoltaic (PV)?

The solar photovoltaic (PV) power is abundant, clean, and convenient and also has been considered as one of the most promising renewable energies [5, 6]. Due to the ever-increasing energy and environmental pressures, China is switching to focus more on fostering the PV industry.

Why are solar panels made in Xinjiang?

More than 40 per cent of China’s total reserves are in the arid region. That is an important factor in producing solar panels. Manufacturers make polysilicon through chemical evaporation at high temperatures of around 900 Celsius. Local solar companies have repeatedly sought to assure investors that they do not use forced labour from Xinjiang.

Is Xinjiang a dirty secret for the solar industry?

The move sheds light on a dirty secret of the solar industry: it relies on Xinjiang and its cheap coal power to produce half of its key raw material. And with demand for panels set to explode as the U.S. and China commit to more clean power, it will be even harder for the industry to quit the troubled region.

Where are solar panels made?

China is the world’s largest producer of solar panels and also its key material polysilicon. Nearly half the world’s supply of polysilicon, which requires an energy intensive manufacturing process, is made in China’s north-western region of Xinjiang. Xinjiang is known for two things: alleged human rights abuses and cheap power.

Will Chinese solar companies cut ties with Xinjiang?

Chinese solar companies are among 175 around the world that signed a non-binding pledge by a U.S. trade group to avoid forced labor. It will be much harder for them to actually cut ties with Xinjiang, the western China region facing increasing scrutiny for human-rights abuses.

Why are solar panels made in China?

The latter is due to an abundant supply of coal. More than 40 per cent of China’s total reserves are in the arid region. That is an important factor in producing solar panels. Manufacturers make polysilicon through chemical evaporation at high temperatures of around 900 Celsius.