Fresh ray of hope for solar firms

Chinese panel makers train sights on liberal Europe amid US restrictions and barriers in India

Chinese photovoltaic companies have been on a rollercoaster this year. But the ride may stabilize and hurtle toward brighter vistas, potentially transforming the country's energy mix over the long term, industry experts said.

First, trouble seemed inevitable when, in June, the Chinese government slashed its subsidies for solar power and also halted all subsidies for utility-scale solar projects. It was a blow that plunged even the stocks of listed solar companies into a free fall.