China’s NEA proposes significant solar feed-in tariff cuts for 2017

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
AECEA also noted that the potential severity in the FiT cuts came as a surprise in the distributed generation sector as this was recently considered to be favoured by the NEA in light of the utility-scale ground-mounted PV sector suffering from grid curtailment issues in several regions. Image: DuPont

China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) has published a draft version of proposed feed-in tariff (FiT) levels for ground mount and distributed generation PV power plants for 2017 that could lead to significant cuts to both sectors and overall curtailment of installations. 

In a client note, Asia Europe Clean Energy (Solar) Advisory Co. Ltd. (AECEA) noted that the FiT levels remained ‘unofficial’ and were only in 'draft' form as they were disseminated via various Chinese media outlets. 

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

Ground-mounted solar PV Power plants: 

Region 1: RMB 0.80 to 0.55 = minus 31% 
Region 2: RMB 0.88 to 0.65 = minus 25%
Region 3: RMB 0.98 to 0.75 = minus 23% 

Distributed Solar PV: 

Region 1: RMB 0.42 to 0.20 = minus 52%
Region 2: RMB 0.42 to 0.25 = minus 40%
Region 3: RMB 0.42 to 0.30 = minus 28%

However, without a major change the FiT cuts would potentially lower ROI (return on investment) levels significantly for PV project developers and therefore impact installations and demand throughout the supply chain. 

AECEA also noted that the potential severity in the FiT cuts came as a surprise in the distributed generation sector as this was recently considered to be favoured by the NEA in light of the utility-scale ground-mounted PV sector suffering from grid curtailment issues in several regions. 

Read Next

October 9, 2025
Singapore-based Sembcorp Industries has agreed to acquire ReNew’s 300MW solar power unit in India for around US$246 million.
October 9, 2025
Avaada has inked an MoU with the Gujarat government to develop solar, wind, and BESS worth INR36 billion (US$405 million). 
October 8, 2025
The NSW Independent Planning Commission has granted planning approval for Potentia Energy's 500MW Tallawang solar-plus-storage project.
October 8, 2025
US solar module prices jumped in Q3 2025 as developers scrambled to meet the 2 September 2025 safe harbour deadline for Investment Tax Credit (ITC) qualification, according to supply chain platform Anza.
October 8, 2025
Officials from Norway and Egypt have agreed provisional terms for the financing of the Dandara solar park in Egypt, which is being built and operated by Norwegian IPP Scatec.
October 8, 2025
Saatvik Green Energy has secured new solar PV module orders worth more than INR7 billion (US$84 million), to be delivered in this financial year.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK