Chinese solar manufacturers still chanting “grow or die” mantra

The backlog of global solar energy projects is growing, causing manufacturers to go into overdrive, with production capacity likely to double between 2018 and 2020. But with China dramatically reducing solar subsidies, as well as the continued trade-war with the US, the race for market share is likely to have a few casualties, allowing larger players to streak ahead if they stay aware of supply chain innovation. Following quarterly figures last week, Canadian Solar announced its plan to increase its 11.2 GW PV module annual production capacity to 15 GW by 2020, largely relying on Chinese solar cell producers to help it keep up with module demand. South Korean rival Jinko Solar was not slow to follow suit, stating on…