U.S.-listed solar stocks rally after German nuke decision

* JA Solar, LDK rise more than 8 pct

* First Solar, Suntech climb more than 4 pct

NEW YORK May 31 (Reuters) - Shares of U.S.-listed solar companies jumped in early Tuesday trade after news that Germany, the world's leading solar market, would shut down its nuclear reactors by 2022.

American Depositary Receipts of China-based JA Solar Holdings (JASO.O) led the gains, climbing 8.8 percent to $6.15, followed by LDK Solar Co (LDK.N), up 8.7 percent to 7.63, and Yingli Green Energy (YGE.N), up 6.3 percent to $9.29.

First Solar Inc (FSLR.O), the largest U.S. solar company, jumped 4.7 percent to $127.08, while Suntech Power Holdings Co (STP.N) climbed 4.5 percent to $8.40.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced on Monday the country would shut the reactors and expand the use of wind and solar power. [ID:nLDE74T0GY]

(Reporting by Matt Daily, editing by Dave Zimmerman)