The measures – agreed on yesterday at a meeting of the executive committee of the State Council (China’s cabinet) – sent solar stocks soaring as investors saw potential benefits to the largest companies in the sector.

Shares in Suntech were still up almost 18% to $1.26 at midday Beijing time today. LDK Solar was up more than 13% to $1.43. Canadian Solar, Yingli, Trina and JA Solar also all surged more than 10% after the news emerged.

Analysts