NANJING, July 9 (Xinhua) – In the heart of Shuangjing Village in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, rooftops shimmer like a sea of glass beneath the summer sun. The glint is not from traditional tiles, but from thousands of solar panels that are powering China’s next leap in clean energy transformation.
This ambitious rooftop photovoltaic (PV) project—led by the State Grid Xuzhou Power Supply Company—is part of a growing nationwide movement to integrate distributed solar power into homes, farms, and factories across China. With a total installed capacity of 2,709 kilowatts, the Shuangjing Village system now provides clean, renewable electricity to both local households and nearby industrial zones.
Villagers Turn Roofs into Revenue
“This village-wide rooftop solar program is incredibly efficient,” said Liu Zhichuang, a technician with the power supply company. “Farmers provide their unused rooftops, and in return, they receive a stable rental income.”
Over the panels’ lifetime, the project is expected to generate over 6.4 million yuan (approximately $890,000) in revenue. According to Liu, it also reduces construction and maintenance costs by 22 percent, making it a cost-effective alternative in regions where large-scale solar farms are not feasible due to limited land.
“Where land is tight, rooftop solar just makes sense,” Liu noted. “With over 140,000 rooftops already converted in Xuzhou, the city is leading Jiangsu province in distributed solar deployment.”
Explosive Growth in Distributed Solar
China’s broader commitment to rooftop solar is evident in its skyrocketing numbers. By the end of 2024, distributed PV capacity nationwide reached 370 gigawatts (GW)—a 121-fold increase compared to 2013, according to the National Energy Administration.
This shift has become a cornerstone of China’s clean energy agenda. In March, national energy authorities spotlighted rooftop solar as a tool not just for decarbonization, but also for rural revitalization and power sector reform. For many villagers, it offers a direct economic benefit while contributing to the country’s ambitious carbon neutrality goals.
Industrial Parks Join the Solar Surge
The solar boom is not limited to villages. In Xuzhou’s new energy vehicle industrial park, factories have embraced solar as part of their sustainability strategies. With 52,000 square meters of rooftop panels, the park produces nearly 7 million kilowatt-hours annually—enough to replace 2,800 tonnes of coal and slash 7,500 tonnes of carbon emissions.
A large digital screen at the park’s entrance displays real-time data on energy output and carbon savings. Liu noted that solar adoption has cut energy costs by more than 20 percent for many businesses in the park.
Provinces Lead with Ambitious Solar Mandates
Across China, provinces are pushing forward with aggressive clean energy plans:
Shanghai has announced its “PV Plus” initiative, aiming to deploy over 4.5 GW of solar capacity by 2027.
Guangdong Province now mandates that 50% of new factory rooftops must have solar coverage by 2025, with full coverage by 2030.
Existing industrial parks in Guangdong are undergoing green retrofits to achieve at least 50% rooftop solar adoption by the decade’s end.
Next-Gen Solar Tech Unlocks New Possibilities
In Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China’s first industrial park dedicated to perovskite solar technology has officially launched. Perovskite PVs—an innovative, lightweight solar material—can be embedded directly into building facades, turning walls into energy-generating surfaces.
“Our pilot project features boundary walls with over 3,000 integrated perovskite modules,” said Jiang Weilong, vice president of the project developer. These panels are projected to cut carbon emissions by 110 tonnes annually.
“Solar panels are no longer limited to rooftops,” Jiang added. “We’re entering a new era where fences, walls, and even footpaths can double as power generators. This innovation will redefine how we think about space and sustainability.”
A Blueprint for the Future
China’s rooftop solar push is more than an energy strategy—it’s a blueprint for sustainable urban and rural living. By combining grassroots participation with high-tech innovation, the nation is creating a decentralized energy model that could serve as a global benchmark.
As Liu put it, “What we’re building today isn’t just infrastructure—it’s a future where clean energy is embedded into everyday life.”
