Chinese solar photovoltaic maker Trina Solar is providing comprehensive solutions to both users and business partners to power the green energy transition, not only in China but globally, according to the company’s co-chair, Katherine Gao Haichun.
Founded in Changzhou City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, in 1997, Trina Solar has expanded its reach, selling solar photovoltaic products to over 100 countries and regions worldwide.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Gao highlighted China’s growing leadership in renewable energy, noting that last year, green energy installations in China has surpassed coal-based power.
“I think telling a Chinese story in green transition is definitely really important. I think I can share some examples. So by the end of 2024 last year, the installation of green energy in China has exceeded the installation of coal, which is, I think, really magnificent. Because China used to be such a coal-centric energy entity. So I think China itself has done a lot,” she said.
Data from the China Electricity Council reveals that by June 2024, China’s combined installed capacity for wind and solar power surpassed that of coal for the first time, with wind and solar reaching 1.18 billion kilowatts, compared to coal’s 1.17 billion kilowatts.
Gao also noted how Trina Solar is innovating to meet the green transition needs of China’s rural areas, particularly with the development of micro-grid systems using rooftop solar panels.
“In China, we actually have moved a long way into providing total solutions and to end customers, not only to business. Because traditionally solar energy was a toB business. It’s not a toC business. In the rural area in China, the Chinese farmers used to put the agricultural [products] on the rooftop for the sun to dry them. The rooftop is a best fit for solar energy, and it can create what we call a very small microgrid. So you can have the solar energy on the roof, producing the energy to the residential users just below them,” she said.
As a Chinese private company expanding into global markets, Gao emphasized Trina Solar’s strategy of adapting to local conditions and working closely with local partners to capitalize on globalization.
“We live in a very unpredictable world, but I think that also gives opportunities for companies who are ready. We have to create a comprehensive solution not only for the customers. We also have to really combine with local players, local partners. So, for most of the manufacturing bases that we establish in foreign countries, we form a JV (joint venture) or we form an even closer collaboration model with the local partners, so that we become local company as well. So I think that’s really an opportunity we have to grasp,” said Gao.
