Research and development of photovoltaic power systems in China

China has rich solar energy sources. Two-thirds of its land have more than 2200 hours annual sunshine time, and the annual received solar radiation in land surface, which is about 3340-8400 MJ/m², is equivalent to 1.7 trillion tons of standard coal. This paper first introduces the distribution of solar energy resources in China and then analyzes the present situation of research and development of China's solar energy, and evaluates the new PV technologies and challenges in China. In final, the development of new PV technologies in China is discussed.