Yingli and DEK to build solar power research center

Chinese solar energy giant Yingli and British company DEK Solar are set to jointly build a research center in Baoding City, Hebei Province, Yingli announced on Tuesday.

DEK Solar will provide its most advanced research apparatus to a Yingli lab, and the two companies will work on technologies essential to the solar energy industry, according to the agreement.

Yingli board chairman Miao Liansheng said his company is pushing the industry out of current adversity through technological innovation.

"The solar energy industry is about to recover," Miao said. "Cooperation on innovation will accelerate the industry's rejuvenation."

Chinese solar panel makers suffered great losses due to overcapacity, and a recent trade dispute with the European Union worsened prospects for the profitability of the industry.