Which is worse: Buying solar panels from China or oil from OPEC?

Dr. Robert Castellano, The Information Network.

NEW TRIPOLI, USA: Greater China continues to increase production of solar cells while exporting more than 90 percent of its product, according to a report, Opportunities in the Solar Market for Crystalline and Thin Film Solar Cells, recently published by The Information Network, a New Tripoli, PA market research company.

Greater China manufactured nearly 60 percent of the worldwide solar cells in 2010 and exported more than 90 percent. As the world moves to alternative energy sources, it begs the question '“Which is Worse: Buying Solar Panels from China or Oil from OPEC?”

Nine of the top 15 solar panel makers in the world are from China. With the Chinese renowned for low-cost manufacturing, can the non-Chinese solar manufacturers compete against the likes of Suntech Power, JA Solar, Yingli Green Energy, Trina Solar, Gintech, Motech and Canadian Solar?Total cell production from the China/Taiwan region increased 152 percent, from 5,630 MW in 2009 to 14,193 MW in 2010, representing 59.4 percent of global production, up from 50 percent in 2009.

While 65 percent of solar cells were installed in Europe in 2010, only 13 percent of solar cells were manufactured there. Production increased 49 percent in Europe in 2010, while global production increased 110 percent. Production in North America increased 93 percent in 2010.

To make matters worse, China is adding another 14GW of capacity in 2011.

Clearly, the Obama energy stimulus package must include ways to generate jobs here in the US. The alternative energy program in the US needs an Energy Czar to enable job production, and I volunteer my services.