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The Information Network asks whether it is worse for the US to buy solar panels from China or oil from OPEC
Greater China continues to increase production of solar cells while exporting more than 90% of its product, according to a report, Opportunities in the Solar Market for Crystalline and Thin Film Solar Cells, recently published by The Information Network. “Greater China manufactured nearly 60% of the worldwide solar cells in 2010 and exported more than 90%, noted Dr. Robert Castellano, president of The Information Network. “As the world moves to alternative energy sources, it begs the question “Which is Worse: Buying Solar Panels from China or Oil from OPEC'?”
Nine of the top 15 solar panel makers in the world are from China. With the Chinese renowned for low-cost manufacturing, can the non-Chinese solar manufacturers compete against the likes of Suntech Power, JA Solar, Yingli Green Energy, Trina Solar, Gintech, Motech, and Canadian Solar?
Total cell production from the China/Taiwan region increased 152%, from 5,630 MW in 2009 to 14,193 MW in 2010, representing 59.4% of global production, up from 50% in 2009. While 65% of solar cells were installed in Europe in 2010, only 13% of solar cells were manufactured there. Production increased 49% in Europe in 2010, while global production increased 110%.
Production in North America increased 93% in 2010. To make matters worse, China is adding another 14GW of capacity in 2011.
“Clearly the Obama energy stimulus package must include ways to generate jobs here in the U.S. The alternative energy program in the U.S. needs an Energy Czar to enable job production, and I volunteer my services,” added Dr. Castellano.
