UPDATE 1-Suntech building four big solar projects in China

*Suntech to develop four utility scale projects in China

*Size of projects totals 1.8 gigawatts

LOS ANGELES, July 13 (Reuters) - Chinese solar panel maker Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd (STP.N) on Monday said it has reached agreements to develop four solar power plants in China totaling 1.8 gigawatts.

Suntech struck the agreements with the governments of Shaanxi and Qinghai provinces as well as the Shizuishan and Panzhihua city governments. The Shaanxi development will be 300 MW, while the remaining three projects will be 500 MW each.

Implementation of the projects is subject to obtaining permits from the National Development and Reform Commission and attracting necessary investment and project financing, Suntech said.

Suntech had said last month that it was in talks to develop a 500 MW project in Qinghai province, sending its shares higher. U.S.-listed Chinese solar companies have benefited from expectations that the Chinese government is preparing to offer a feed-in tariff to encourage adoption of photovoltaic (PV) solar power.

The company's shares were up 36 cents, or 2.5 percent, at $14.71 in afternoon trade on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock has gained more than 25 percent so far this year. (Reporting by Nichola Groom; Editing by Gary Hill)