After a painful four years in which China's solar manufacturing industry was forced to consolidate by cash-flow problems, trade disputes with the EU and US, and severe overcapacity, companies are getting back on their feet. Most top-tier firms — seven of which ranked among the world's top 10 module manufacturers in 2015 — are now making money again, with plant utilization rates recovering to over 80%, aided by policies promoting solar generation to cut reliance on coal (WGI Aug. 17' 16). But the celebrations may not last long. At home, the government is rethinking solar subsidies. Abroad, Chinese manufacturers face headwinds from global oversupply stemming from faltering European demand.
展开▼
