China is the world’s largest manufacturer of solar photovoltaic panels, providing roughly 40 percent of the global market share in 2008. China’s domestic solar market is on the cusp of a boom thanks to new solar incentives announced this year cutting the cost of purchase and installation by as much as half.
With over 150 attendees, including international senior executives, top-level Chinese government officials, industry experts and leading production and technology directors, the China Solar Energy Technology and Investment Congress organized by Noppen in close co-organization with Huhhot Municipal Government took place on 10-11 December in Huhhot, Inner Mongolia, China. The focus of the event was how to drive down the cost per installed watt and the future growth of the solar energy market in China.
Opening speeches at the conference, welcoming the top experts and industry leaders to Huhhot, were given by the Mayor of Huhhot, Mr. Tang Aijun and Vice Mayor of Huhhot, Mr. Lv Huisheng. Subsequently, the first presentation of the day was given by Hu Runqing, National Development and Reform Commission, on solar power development, challenges and future advances. Mr. Liu Min, Director General of Development and Reform Commission of Huhhot, introduced to the audience the incentive policies of developing solar industry and the current state of the solar industry in Huhhot. Keynote speaker Frank Haugwitz, former EU Renewable Energy Manager, EU-China Energy & Environment Programme (EEP) gave a detailed introduction of Europe’s solar energy development and its future trend.
Industry leaders gave their most up-to-date technology and investment information. Enfinity’s presentation was given by Zhou Jing, General Manager, Enfinity China; Gaёtan Borgers, Global Industry Executive Director at Dow Corning spoke about reducing ownership costs with more durable and efficient silicon-based materials; Wayne McMillan, VP at BT Imaging highlighted the advantages of using inline photoluminescence inspection; and EUROTRON, represented by Bram Verschoor, CCO, made a presentation on high speed production lines for back contacted solar cells.
Highlights at the conference included the presentation by Lee Seong Hooi, Group Manager Field Engineering, FM Engineering International Ltd, Japan Branch, which dealt with risk management strategies for solar panel manufacturers and other presentations from top domestic experts, like Wen Lishi, Member of Chinese Academy of Engineering; Jiang Liping, Vice President of State Power Grid Energy Research Institute; and Xu Honghua, Vice Director General, Institute of Electrical Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, were all very well received. Some of the other topics discussed include the opportunities and challenges facing solar industry technologies in China, key technologies of large scale solar farm development and operation, and promoting the development of the silicon industry in China through international methodologies.
Article by Roger Greenway, appearing courtesy of ENN