How much does solar power cost in China?

Additionally, the cost of solar PV power generation was CNY5.6–15.1 kWh −1 in 2000, which fell to CNY0.29–0.79 kWh −1 in 2018, with an average annual decrease of CNY0.28–0.75 kWh −1 (Fig. 1). Technological progress sheds light on less expensive and more commercially viable solar systems, and increases the competitiveness of the solar PV market.

Does China have a price threshold for solar power?

The cost of solar PV electricity generation is affected by many local factors, making it a challenge to understand whether China has reached the threshold at which a grid-connected solar PV system supplies electricity to the end user at the same price as grid-supplied power or the price of desulfurized coal electricity, or even lower.

Can photovoltaic electricity be compared to grid prices in China?

Although solar photovoltaic use grows rapidly in China, comparison with grid prices is difficult as photovoltaic electricity prices depend on local factors. Using prefecture-level data, Yan et al. find that 100% of user-side systems can achieve grid parity, while 22% can produce electricity cheaper than coal-based power plants.

How much will solar electricity cost in 2020?

Also in 2020, the costs of solar electricity could be reduced by approximately 60% as compared to 2010, but would still be 11–74% higher than the current grid prices. The PV electricity costs vary significantly among provinces. In the economically developed eastern provinces, the PV electricity (mainly BIPV) is 0.67–0.86 RMB/kWh.

How is solar PV power generation calculated in China?

Solar PV power generation was calculated according to the system parameters and assumptions shown in the Methods. In China, the cities with the highest and lowest solar PV power generation are Ngari (32.50° N, 80.11° E; around 1,976 kWh kW p−1) and Chongqing (29.43° N, 106.91° E; around 732 kWh kW p−1), respectively.

Is China a major market for solar photovoltaics?

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative In recent years, China has become not just a large producer but a major market for solar photovoltaics (PV), increasing interest in solar electricity prices in China.