Why is rooftop solar so popular in China?

Most of that rooftop solar has been added in the past two years, as China offered support for local governments to boost installations, and raised power rates to businesses, making generating their own electricity more attractive.

Is China developing a rooftop solar system?

Fishman, an energy analyst at the Lantau Group, an economic consultancy firm in Shanghai, was keen to meet with developers in Shandong to understand how China is developing extensive rooftop solar installations at such a remarkable pace.

How much solar power can China have?

China’s buildings and rooftops have the potential to host more than 1 terawatt of solar power capacity, almost the same size as the entire existing global industry, according to the manufacturer.

Does China need solar power?

Currently, many of China’s eastern regions rely on power generated and transmitted from the west. In recent years, China has shifted its focus from centralized solar farms to smaller-scale distributed solar projects, as photovoltaic research continues to improve the technology and lower its costs.

What is the future of solar energy in China?

China has already made major commitments to transitioning its energy systems towards renewables, especially power generation from solar, wind and hydro sources. However, there are many unknowns about the future of solar energy in China, including its cost, technical feasibility and grid compatibility in the coming decades.

Can solar power revitalize rural China?

At the same time, the Whole County PV programme provides an opportunity to revitalize rural China, local officials say. For example, homeowners can receive extra income by lending their rooftops to solar developers, or by selling the power generated by their rooftop system, Fishman says. The plan seems to be working.