China could raise solar PV targets to at least 210GW

Total installation has already reached 165GW, surpassing the 105GW target in 2016.

China could raise its goal for photovoltaic (PV) installation to at least 210GW as its previous target of 105GW in 2016 has already been reached, analysts from PV Info Link said.

According to a note, China's 13th Five-Year Plan released in December 2016 outlined that PV installation in China needs to reach 105GW. However, as at the end of September 2018, the total installation has already reached 165GW.

It cited discussions from the National Energy Administration (NEA) that said targets need to be raised to at least 210GW to support the Chinese PV industry. Some even suggested that goals be raised to 250GW or 270GW.

"Even if the installation goal may increase to 210GW, it is still far from enough with the current installed capacity which already surpassed 165GW. The remaining installation will be only about 20-25 GW per year during 2019 - 2020, still not much incentive and support for the Chinese local market demand," PV Info Link analysts said.

Consequently, the Energy Research Institute of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China Electric Power Planning and Engineering Institute (EPPEI), and other institutions will conduct detailed investigations on the adjustment of the 13th Five-Year Plan.

PV Info Link concluded that if the installation goal has been lifted to 250GW or more, China will return to install 40GW or more per year during 2019 - 2020. "This makes China's local PV market worth looking forward to," it said.