Most of China's solar power is generated within its western provinces and is transferred to other regions of the country. In 2011, China owned the largest solar power plant in the world at the time, the Huanghe Hydropower Golmud Solar Park, which had a photovoltaic capacity of 200 MW.
Suntech Power, based in Jiangsu Province, is one of the top solar panel manufacturers in China. Founded in 2001, Suntech has been at the forefront of the solar industry for two decades. Its product range includes an array of photovoltaic panels, with a special focus on reliability and efficiency.
As of at least 2024, China has one third of the world's installed solar panel capacity. Most of China's solar power is generated within its western provinces and is transferred to other regions of the country.
Utility-scale solar PV development - if it produces 10 megawatts (MW) or more of energy – has been concentrated in the northwest region of China where solar and land resources are abundant. Power demand centers are in the south and eastern regions, along the densely populated coast and where most of the industries are located.
The researchers first found that the physical potential of solar PV, which includes how many solar panels can be installed and how much solar energy they can generate, in China reached 99.2 petawatt-hours in 2020.
Photovoltaics (PV), a primary form of solar energy utilization, has become pivotal in addressing the energy deficit while fostering economic growth. China, since the early 21st century, has made renewable energy a cornerstone of its future energy plans, actively supporting its development .