Wapo Solar Panels

Do Chinese solar panels benefit from state subsidies?

Investigations into Chinese makers of solar panels suspected of benefiting from state subsidies have added uncertainty and further tariff risk, discouraging buyers from committing to new purchases. Shares of local solar groups have fallen this year as module prices drop.

How can Chinese solar panels overcome trade restrictions?

Chinese solar panel manufacturers aim to surmount the unprecedented trade restrictions they face in the U.S. and Europe using three key strategies: building factories directly in the U.S., building factories in new third-party markets and continuing direct exports where it makes financial sense to do so.

How much do solar panels cost in China?

According to Wood Mackenzie, the average manufacturing cost of U.S.-made and EU-made solar modules are USD $0.46 per watt and $0.34 per watt, respectively, compared to around $0.15 per watt by Chinese companies. Some data suggest the cost for some types of panels slipped as low as $0.11 per watt in China in the first half of this year.

Is America ready for a balcony-mounted solar panel?

In countries like Germany, balcony-mounted solar panels are all the rage. But from breaker-masking to voltage mismatches, America’s grid isn’t ready for it—yet. This story originally appeared on Grist and is part of the Climate Desk collaboration.