Why are solar panels made in Xinjiang?

More than 40 per cent of China’s total reserves are in the arid region. That is an important factor in producing solar panels. Manufacturers make polysilicon through chemical evaporation at high temperatures of around 900 Celsius. Local solar companies have repeatedly sought to assure investors that they do not use forced labour from Xinjiang.

Does community management influence household adoption of rooftop solar photovoltaics in rural China?

This paper examines inequality in household adoption of rooftop solar photovoltaics in rural China through a qualitative study of three villages. The Chinese government promotes distributed solar to drive low-carbon development. However, community management and China’s institutional system influence unequal access.

How many households in Jiangsu have a rooftop PV system?

For example, Village Z in Jiangsu Province has 32 households. In 2017, the local power company planned free rooftop PV installation for 25 households, but only 23 were ultimately installed. Of the 9 non-adopters, 2 lacked suitable roofs, while others declined over roof damage or absentee concerns.

Could Xinjiang's labor program lead to the solar industry?

The veil over Xinjiang has made the search for answers about the links between China’s labor program and its solar industry a job for outside researchers—who, it turns out, have found potentially telling details just by combing through public records. Residents stop for a chat nearby the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in downtown Urumqi.

How can China promote distributed PV?

To promote distributed PV, China’s National Energy Administration launched a “county-level promotion” strategy in 2021. This strategy sets a target for at least 20% of rural households in 676 pilot counties and districts to adopt rooftop solar panels. The concept of “energy justice” originates from John Rawls’ theory of justice.

Is China developing a rooftop solar system?

Fishman, an energy analyst at the Lantau Group, an economic consultancy firm in Shanghai, was keen to meet with developers in Shandong to understand how China is developing extensive rooftop solar installations at such a remarkable pace.