June 21, 2025

Slimming, switching to the solar industry to seek a way to live

The collapse of the mainland solar industry left many firms reeling under massive losses after they had chased quick profits. Today, listed companies are scrambling to either recruit teams to clean up the mess, pull out entirely, or pare down their operations. Some are even looking to reinvent themselves, hoping to carve out a viable future.

As reported by the Shanghai Securities News, loss-ridden solar firms are actively seeking solutions. Take Aerospace Electromechanical for instance; originally a manufacturer of car components, the company ventured into the solar sector in 2007 by investing in polysilicon, solar panels, and power stations. However, they have now divested their stake in Shenzhou Shengye, reducing their holding from 49.33% to just 19.63%, effectively downsizing their operations.

According to the report, Aerospace Electromechanical’s predicament is emblematic of broader challenges in the industry. The price of polysilicon has plummeted from over $100 per kilogram to below $20. Meanwhile, mainland manufacturers still incur costs upwards of $40-$50 per kilogram, while overseas competitors have brought their costs down to around $10. This stark disparity has rendered the mainland solar industry unprofitable for most players.

Similarly, Silver Star Energy, once a prominent solar cell manufacturer, shifted focus to power stations but ultimately opted for a "slimming down" strategy. They plan to halt construction on two major solar farms in Mongolia and Jordan due to poor performance in these ventures.

The report highlights that operating solar power stations presents unique challenges. These projects often involve long-term investments where revenue comes from annual electricity sales, slowing down cash flow and affecting manufacturing efficiencies. Moreover, technical and operational risks loom large, compounded by the relatively low grid integration rates in mainland China, making it difficult to manage power station operations smoothly.

In response to these industry woes, another solar giant, Yingli, has chosen a different approach. Instead of focusing solely on solar energy, the company has diversified into unrelated sectors like agriculture, real estate, olive oil production, fashion, and hospitality. While this eclectic mix may seem surprising, the company insists that ventures closer to basic human needs—like food and clothing—are inherently more valuable. Yingli even aims to sell solar-related products online, hoping to transform them into everyday consumer items.

Despite such efforts, some firms have preemptively exited the market altogether. For example, Vosges shares decided to liquidate and dismantle their solar entity Effort PV (50%) and recently sold their stake in Bosch Solar, clearly prioritizing survival over further investment.

The report notes that this trend isn't limited to mainland firms. International heavyweights like Siemens and Bosch Group are also considering pulling out of the solar market. According to research firm GTM Research, within the next three years, if China doesn’t significantly boost its solar installation capacity, approximately 60% of global solar enterprises could exit the industry.

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