China's solar industry tried to police itself to curb massive overproduction, but it was a lost cause from the beginning. Despite good intentions, the sector is just too big and too competitive to effectively slow down its own output—leaving the problem unsolved.

Editor’s Note: Overproduction in China’s solar industry isn’t just a local issue—it floods global markets, drives down prices, and squeezes competitors worldwide. If the industry can’t (or won’t) regulate itself, it could lead to more trade tensions, bankruptcies, or even slower innovation as profits dry up. For anyone watching clean energy, this is a sign that the solar boom might come with some nasty hangovers.

China is repurposing abandoned coal mines into solar power farms, a move that could help tackle the country's oversupply of solar panels while boosting renewable energy efforts. According to a report by Global Energy Monitor, this trend is gaining global traction, with 15 countries rapidly converting old mining sites into solar projects in recent years.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about cleaning up old industrial scars—it’s a clever two-for-one deal. By turning defunct mines into solar hubs, China could ease pressure on its struggling solar manufacturers (who’ve been pumping out more panels than the world can absorb) while speeding up its shift away from coal. It’s a practical example of how the energy transition can solve multiple problems at once. Plus, if other countries follow suit, it could give a much-needed jolt to global solar adoption.