Update: China cuts solar subsidies by up to 22% for PV projects

February 2, 2012
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The Chinese Ministry of Finance has announced that it has changed certain subsidy regulations, claiming this will speed up domestic large-scale applications of PV power generation and promote sustained and steady development of the PV industry. This will apply to grid-connected PV installations. In 2012, owners of PV installations relying on crystalline silicon modules and silicon thin-film modules will receive a tariff of CNY 7 (€0.84) per watt.

Previously, under the Golden Sun programme, investors received CNY 9 (€1.09) per watt for crystalline silicon modules and CNY 8 (€0.97) per watt for silicon thin-film modules.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The ministry will announce the tariff for off-grid PV installations at a later date.

Update:

PV-Tech has contacted the Ministry for clarification and has been advised that the subsidy changes will speed up and regulate the application process itself now that installers are required to pay 30% up front towards the installation costs compared to nothing before the above restrictions were imposed.

Read Next

April 1, 2026
The world added 510GW of new solar PV capacity in 2025, the most of any electricity generation source, according to IRENA.
April 1, 2026
In its analysis, Ember examined grid capacity across 20 EU countries and found the major gap was at the transmission level, with a possible shortfall of 104 GW that would affect utility-scale solar projects.
April 1, 2026
Solar power has saved the EU over €110 million (US$127.5 million) a day since the outbreak of war in the Middle East, according to SolarPower Europe.
April 1, 2026
Toyo Solar shipped 4.5GW of cells in FY2025, surpassing its full-year target, while module shipments reached 249MW.
April 1, 2026
Four giant solar ‘wings’ will provide power for the first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years, due to launch later today.
April 1, 2026
The conflict in the Middle East could drive European solar PPA prices up by as much as 35%, according to Pexapark.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland