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China Solar Power Becomes Largest Source as Capacity Hits 1.286 Billion KW

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China's photovoltaic capacity reached 1.286 billion kilowatts by the end of July, overtaking coal power as the country's largest electricity source, multiple Chinese state media reported Tuesday, citing the National Energy Administration.

Photovoltaics represented 31.5% of China's total installed power capacity at the end of July, while solar generation exceeded 802.4 billion kWh in January-July, up 15.5% from a year earlier.

The latest figures mean photovoltaics supplied about one in every eight kilowatt-hours generated nationwide during the first seven months, highlighting the growing role of solar power in China's electricity system.

China also maintains a dominant position in global photovoltaic manufacturing, producing about eight of every 10 solar modules worldwide, according to the reports.

Investment in China's photovoltaic industry could exceed 2 trillion Chinese yuan ($297.6 billion) over the next five years, supporting further expansion of renewable electricity capacity.

Photovoltaics overtaking coal marks a major shift in China's power mix, as rapid solar expansion increases the share of renewable generation and reinforces the country's position in the global clean-energy industry.

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