"China is ahead of the US in solar by leaps and bounds ..."
And they are doing so without any regard for short-term and long-term environmental damage. Creating solar panels uses the same process that creates the microchips in your computer, TV, and phone. The chemicals are highly toxic. Strip mining provides raw materials. When mines are emptied, they're abandoned (and not refilled), and the chemicals are buried or simply dumped.
Let's cheer for China's success!