Suntech just announced that is has connected the first 10 MW, ground mount solar power project to the Chinese power grid. The project, completed through collaboration with Suntech’s partner China Energy Conservation Investment Corporation (CECIC). This milestone represents the completion of the first phase of a larger, 50MW project that is expected to be finished in 2011.

In a press release, Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech’s Chairman and CEO, commented on the news:

”Suntech is very pleased and honored to play a leading role in the development of the first on-grid 10MW solar PV power plant in China, which represents a major milestone in the development of China’s renewable energy industry. We applaud the decisive steps taken by China’s central government and local government to support sustainable energy development and establish a greener economy in China. With closer cooperation between strategic energy investors, power developers and solution providers, I am confident that solar energy will become increasingly cost effective and achieve grid parity in many locations over the next few years.”