Will Chinese rooftop solar panels make China a record-setting year?

A major push to install rooftop solar panels on Chinese buildings is putting the nation on track for another record-setting year on renewable energy.

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.

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.

How many solar panels are installed on a Chinese roof?

One in five solar panels installed worldwide last year were mounted on a Chinese roof, putting households at the forefront of efforts to decarbonize a top emitter.

Can developers buy solar panels in China?

In September, China’s National Energy Bureau announced a new initiative for local governments to partner with solar developers to build rooftop arrays. Under the scheme, building owners can purchase solar panels and sell the power they generate to developers, or developers can lease rooftop space to install solar panels they own.

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.