US-listed JA Solar joined major competitors Trina Solar and JinkoSolar in declaring that the system damages its ability to compete in Europe.
The MIP system was the result of a deal struck between the European Commission (EC) and Chinese PV manufacturers in 2013 as an alternative to the imposition of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs on imports from China – in JA’s case 51.5% and 5%, respectively.
But the Chinese suppliers claim the pricing levels set by the EC no longer reflect the reality of ever decreasing selling prices in the real market.
JA Solar said: “Selling prices continue to decline, while the MIP has remained unchanged for the past 18 months. Unfortunately, the current MIP adversely impacts our ability to execute our business strategy and hinders the growth of the European solar industry.”
Like other major players, JA Solar has over the last few years added production capacity outside China at locations beyond the remit of the EU’s fair-trade action, in its case a factory in Malaysia.
JinkoSolar’s departure earlier this month led European lobbying group Solar Alliance for Europe (SAFE) to declare that the global industry “is voting with its feet” and deserting the MIP, which the body claims is damaging the advance of solar power in Europe.
Brussels announced late last year that the MIP agreement would stay in place until at least early 2017 while it carries out a review.
