Shaping the solar future: An analysis of policy evolution, prospects and implications in China's photovoltaic industry

Over recent decades, China has risen to a preeminent global position in both solar photovoltaic (PV) adoption and production, a feat underpinned by a suite of pivotal policy measures. With a burgeoning demand for PV systems on the horizon, there is an urgent need to reassess past policies and chart new directions. This study employs bibliometrics and content analysis to systematically scrutinize China's PV policies across distinct phases, delineating the underlying rationale and overarching evolutionary trajectory. It offers a comprehensive overview of these policies, encapsulating their metamorphosis through four discernible stages. The findings of this study shed light on a discernible policy trajectory within China's dynamic PV sector. Initially, policies were meticulously tailored to nurture domestic technological capabilities and ensure a comprehensive PV supply chain. Subsequently, the focus shifted towards the widespread application of PV technology. More recently, policies have evolved to prioritize regulatory refinement, subsidy reduction, and optimizing solar power consumption. These empirical insights underscore the pivotal role of supportive policies in propelling China's PV industry growth, with far-reaching implications for emerging sectors.