Beijing's Solar Power Initiatives

China, the world's largest producer of solar cells, has committed to installing 3 Megawatts of solar power for the 2008 Olympics.  This includes solar power for 80% of street lights around the Olympic venues and 90% of hot water used in the Olympic village.  In addition, large solar installations have been provided for the National Indoor Stadium and the Bird's Nest Stadium.  In actuality, 6 Megawatts of solar power will be generated and supplied in and around Olympic venues.

The Olympics are part of a longer term commitment by China dramatically increase use of solar power.  By 2010. China expects to produce 300 Megawatts of solar power, representing 10% of total power consumption.

Unfortunately, there are some major hurdles that must be overcome before this lofty vision can become reality.  The prime hurdle is the business reality at play.  Polysilicon, used in most solar cells, is in short supply and the price of polysilicon has been going up for several years. China is an importer and does not have the expertice at present to manufacture it's own, although they have plans on the table to do so.

One big concern is that western countries are afraid to supply China with polysilicon.  They believe that China will turn around and sell finished solar cells at a low cost on world markets, thus dominating the solar power market as they do most other markets.

My prediction is that polysilicon will become the oil of the 21st century.  The developed world has learned from the oil crisis that energy self-sufficiency is of prime concern.  So protectionism will be the main theme regarding polysilicon for the 21st century.

I would like to finish up this post with a question:  how do the Chinese expect the solar panels to be effective through the smog?  Some days the sun is barely visible.