[roenxi]

> I have no source for this but I feel like the environment thing is too frequently repeated (also without any evidence).

> They're pumping out solar like mad and places like the Xinjiang deserts actually have nowhere to put their excess electricity from what I've read previously.

You've found a pretty compelling piece of evidence right there. There is a reason they're the ones pumping out solar like mad - because they have relatively lax environmental laws. If they had western-style environmental laws the panels would have to be manufactured in India or Africa or something.

Obviously it isn't the only criteria because I'm sure there are places with lower environmental requirements than China; but the big selling point for the last 20-odd years seems to have been more that you're allowed to manufacture there and they have a competent workforce rather than that the wages were amazingly low.