(EnergyAsia, October 7 2010, Thursday) — Due to declining international feed-in tariff rates and increased local incentives, China has begun transitioning from exporting the bulk of its finished solar products to installing them locally.

Energy sustainability has become increasingly important, and as a clean, safe and economical energy source, solar power is attracting more attention from both the Chinese and international community. With abundant solar resources, Kunming is located in the Central Yunnan – Guizhou Plateau.

In recent years, the solar PV industry has emerged as one of the key new hi-tech industries supported by the Kunming Municipality to develop the city into a key solar energy industrial base in China.

Following the enormous success of Noppen’s first solar energy event held in Inner Mongolia, the 2nd Annual China Solar Energy Technology and Investment Congress was held on 16-17 September 2010 in Kunming city.

Co-organised with the Kunming Municipal Government and supported by EUROSOLAR Turkey and the American General Business Association, the event was attended by over 120 government officials, experts and scholars, senior executives, and professionals who discussed solar industry trends, government policies, advances in PV technology and detailed overview of project developments across China.

“Great event, very professional,” said OK International Ruan Fengbin, Vice Mayor of Kunming Municipal Government in his opening comment in welcoming the delegates to Kunming and introducing them to Kunming’s solar power Industry.

One of the key speakers and honorary guest at the event was Tanay Sıdkı Uyar, President, EUROSOLAR Turkey who spoke on developing solar power plants in Turkey. He also briefly discussed PV market development and trends in Europe.

Another key speaker was Qiu Diming, Director General, Science and Technology Commission, Trina Solar, who gave an overview of PV production in Jiangsu Province, and about Trina Solar, one of world’s top PV manufacturers.

Liping Jiang, Vice President, State Grid Energy Research Institute gave a detailed description of the co- development of China’s smart grid and renewable energy generated electricity, while Zhao Yulei, Deputy Director General, Science and Technology Department, Himin Solar Group presented on CSP, which is currently developing rapidly.

Frank Haugwitz, Independent China Renewable Energy Consultant, briefly reviewed the major global PV markets and incentive policies.