Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-05-21 15:06Core Viewpoint - The UK government aims to nearly double solar power generation by 2030, but concerns arise over reliance on Chinese suppliers, especially after reports of hidden components in solar inverters that could pose security risks to the grid [3][12]. Industry Overview - The UK imports over 40% of its solar panels from China, with Chinese companies controlling 79% of polysilicon production, 97% of wafer production, 85% of solar cell production, and 75% of module production globally [6][8]. - Chinese firms dominate the inverter market, accounting for about two-thirds of global shipments and approximately 60% of the UK market, with Huawei and Sungrow being the largest players [8][9]. Security Concerns - Reports of secret components in Chinese-made inverters raise alarms about potential vulnerabilities in the power grid, with experts warning that coordinated shutdowns could lead to widespread blackouts [3][12]. - The European Solar Manufacturing Council states that over 200 GW of solar capacity in Europe relies on Chinese inverters, which could be exploited for large-scale power outages [12][13]. Political Reactions - UK politicians are calling for investigations into the risks posed by Chinese solar inverters, with some urging a pause on clean energy initiatives until safety is assured [13]. - The UK government maintains that national security is a priority and that the energy sector is under rigorous scrutiny [13]. Economic Implications - The competitive pricing of Chinese solar products, often sold below production costs, has raised concerns about dumping practices that threaten Western manufacturers [9][12]. - Transitioning away from Chinese suppliers could incur significant costs, as seen in the telecom sector with Huawei, which has led to billions in additional expenses for operators and consumers [13].