Some people in rural areas rent rooftops to install photovoltaic panels

Is solar rooftop PV useful in rural areas?

Although the Chinese government attaches great importance to the deployment of solar rooftop PV in rural areas, villagers with less education may not necessarily realise its advantages, not necessarily consider it useful or easy to use, and even the safety and high cost of residential rooftop systems may lead to their perception of various risks.

Does community management influence household adoption of rooftop solar photovoltaics in rural China?

This paper examines inequality in household adoption of rooftop solar photovoltaics in rural China through a qualitative study of three villages. The Chinese government promotes distributed solar to drive low-carbon development. However, community management and China’s institutional system influence unequal access.

How can we support solar power projects in rural areas?

Non-profit organizations and international aid agencies can offer donor funding to support solar power projects in rural areas. Microfinance, through offering micro-loans specifically for solar power installations, can enable rural residents to access funding for solar systems.

Can photovoltaics help alleviate rural poverty?

Research is central to the success of major photovoltaic programmes in ramping up clean energy and alleviating rural poverty. A house in Qingdao, in China’s eastern Shandong province, where rooftops are being used to generate solar power. Credit: Lingqi Xie/Getty

Can a family install a rooftop photovoltaic system?

In communities embracing the collective leasing mode, all families possess equal opportunity to install rooftop photovoltaic systems; however, household income varies. Families with larger roof areas can install multiple photovoltaic sets and garner more rent.

How can a rural community benefit from solar power?

Policy and government support for solar power in rural areas is vital to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources and enhance rural resilience. Financial incentives, tax credits, and grants are effective measures that can incentivize individuals and businesses in rural communities to invest in solar power systems.