Existing researches suggest that although China prefers international cooperation in the mode of technological cooperation in the PV industry , the total number of multinational patents in this field is relatively small , and China's innovative capabilities in developing PV technologies are accumulated through domestic R&D activities .
China leads the world in manufacturing solar PV technology. The number of countries importing solar PV technology from China is increasing. Chinese solar PV firms are primarily engaging in downstream activities overseas. There are opportunities for technology transfer within all segments of the solar value chain.
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.
The only other solar PV manufacturers from other countries that can compete with China on scale are Hanwha Q Cells and LG Electronics from the Republic of Korea and First Solar in the United States.
Clarify China's current PV technological accumulation. Provide patent insights into China's PV technology innovation and development. Photovoltaic (PV) technology, as a low-carbon energy technology, is crucial to mitigating climate change and achieving sustainable development.
Analysis of 20 of the leading Chinese solar PV companies shows 343 offices in 70 countries around the world (Fig. 3). While the highest number of offices are devoted to sales and service support, subsidiaries serve a variety of functions to include manufacturing, investment holding, operations and maintenance, and project construction. Fig. 3.