solar lights

China has emerged as the world's biggest supplier of solar lights, producing 25 million units — or 95 percent of world output of more than 26.6 million pieces — in 2002. China's exports for the same year reached US$100 million. In 2003, both output and exports went up 25 percent, totaling 31.25 million pieces and US$125 million, respectively. This year is forecast to be another stellar year. Exports and output are predicted to increase 20 percent to US$150 million and 37.5 million pieces. Solar lights production is an offshoot of the solar panels industry in China. The growing supplier base includes companies that trace their background to solar panel and photovoltaics (PV) technology and manufacture. Some of these companies started making and exporting solar lights only in 2003, encouraged by burgeoning demand for environment-friendly lighting products.