It is unclear whether Angus Taylor is a climate sceptic, but with new PM Scott Morrison having immediately separated the energy and environment ministries – and having in the past professed a curious affection for coal – life could be about to get a whole lot tougher for the Australian PV industry.

Shanghai Electric says the Chinese government’s abrupt decision to rein in solar was a significant factor in the collapse of its planned US$3.64 billion acquisition of a controlling stake in the world’s biggest poly maker.

Former manufacturing giant establishes a foothold in the promising Australian market, and says it is in talks with developer Biosar about supplying further modules for projects in the nation.