China is the world's No 1 solar panel maker. The slowdown in the European market and high tariffs from the United States have made Chinese solar companies refocus their overseas strategies. Chinese companies are now moving into Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, where there is a rising demand for solar power.

Barnett, who manages business development throughout Central America, South America and the Caribbean, said the energy crisis that Brazil now faces has the potential to limit the nation's fast-paced economic growth.

"By partnering with Renova and other leading Brazilian energy companies, we can help expand Brazil's generating capacity, and fuel the economy's further growth," said Barnett.

Becker offers a Brazilian perspective, saying that China is "well-positioned" in Latin America's solar business. Using Brazil as a steppingstone, "it can replicate the opportunities for Chile, Mexico and other countries", said Becker.

Tomas Garcia, head of market development and strategy for Latin America at SunEdison, an American solar panel maker, said new opportunities for Chinese solar companies in Latin America also lie further along in the supply chain.

"There are a lot of very strong, successful Chinese solar companies. And now they are starting to develop and finance projects, moving on to the downstream part of the business," Garcia said.

Contact the writer at yuweizhang@chinadailyusa.com.

(China Daily USA 04/16/2014 page3)