Flying too close to the sun? Why China’s solar giants are planning to get even bigger

Flying too close to the sun? Why China’s solar giants are planning to get even bigger
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A worker producing solar photovoltaic modules used for solar panels on September 05, 2023 in Huaian city, in eastern China's Jiangsu province.

Synopsis

Reports suggest that the planned capacity of the top five Chinese solar manufacturers will increase by 54% by year-end to reach 465 gigawatts. But with capacity already exceeding demand and on track to balloon by 2030 to far in excess of forecast market requirements, analysts and investors are beginning to question whether these plans are justified.

Luo Guoping, Zhao Xuan, Fan Ruohong and Denise Jia China’s solar panel makers, who already account for up to 95% of global manufacturing capacity, are doubling down on their investment in the booming segment, announcing expansion plans up and down the supply chain. But with capacity already exceeding demand and on track to balloon by 2030 to far in excess of forecast market requirements, analysts and investors alike are beginning to question

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