Are Chinese solar photovoltaic (PV) companies engaged in overseas activities?

We find that Chinese solar photovoltaic (PV) firms are primarily engaging in downstream activities overseas, along with some manufacturing activities, and minimal upstream activities. We also find that there are opportunities for technology transfer within all segments of the solar value chain characterizing overseas activities.

Are solar photovoltaics a cost-effective supply chain?

Absent subsidies, fully integrating domestic supply chains of solar photovoltaics will come at substantial cost to some economies (Figure 3). China and Southeast Asia remain the most cost competitive reflecting the current concentration of solar PV manufacturing in these regions.

How are crystalline polysilicon solar photovoltaic panels made?

Source: U.S. Department of Energy (2022) There are four major steps in the manufacturing of crystalline polysilicon (c-Si) solar photovoltaic panels, the most popular technology to harness solar energy at 95% market share (Figure 1). The first step refines metallurgical grade silicon to remove impurities.