In recent days, the slowdown in China's GDP growth has sparked widespread debate. Many people are questioning whether the Chinese economy is running healthily and even losing confidence in future economic trends. To address this, "Half an Hour in Economy" takes a deep dive into the front lines of social and economic production, offering a real glimpse into the Chinese economy. The photovoltaic industry, as part of the new energy sector, is seen as a symbol of the new economy. However, when it comes to photovoltaics and solar power generation, many people think of low-price competition and export restrictions. But what if you were told that in the future, many households could install their own solar power stations on their rooftops? Imagine being able to generate your own electricity at home and even sell excess power back to the grid. Sounds incredible, doesn't it?
1. Self-generated electricity from home: Rooftop solar directly feeding into the State Grid
Zhao Chunjiang, Director of the Solar Energy Research Institute at Shanghai University of Electric Power, installed 22 solar panels on his rooftop in 2006, creating the first individual household solar power station in China. His system functions like a small 30-megawatt power plant, though much smaller than traditional large-scale thermal power plants. Despite its size, the system produces 220V AC power of the same quality as that from conventional sources.
In 2012, after moving to a new home, Zhao built another rooftop power station. He explained that the principle of home-based photovoltaic power generation is simple: sunlight hits the solar modules, generating direct current, which is then converted into 220V and 50Hz alternating current by an inverter. The equipment needed is minimal—solar modules, inverters, AC protection switches, and a bidirectional meter.
Zhao believes that in the future, these systems will be sold as complete units, similar to buying a TV, with professional installation required. The cost of such systems is surprisingly low. When he returned to China in 2006, Japan had already reached 600,000 household solar installations. Zhao invested over 120,000 yuan to purchase components for his system, and later, when he moved to Xinzhuang in 2012, he built a new system for just 50,000 yuan.
His current 3.5 kW system generates about 3.5 kWh per hour. Over the past year, it has produced more than 4,100 kWh. His wife said that now, they use appliances freely without worrying about electricity bills. Previously, they had to limit air conditioning use due to costs, but now they enjoy the benefits of solar power. Additionally, they can send 2,000 kWh back to the grid each year.
Despite the success, Zhao faced challenges initially. When he first installed the system, the power company sent bills instead of acknowledging the electricity generated. This led to confusion, but after installing a bidirectional meter, things improved. However, policies and tariffs remain uncertain, making long-term planning difficult.
Chen Jilin, another early adopter, also faced issues. Although his system was connected in 2013, the one-year contract raised concerns about future policy changes and unstable tariffs. He hopes to expand his system to 3 kW, allowing him to generate income from surplus electricity.
Despite the potential, only six households in Shanghai have adopted rooftop solar systems. Zhao Chunjiang, one of the pioneers, often hosts visitors, explaining the benefits of solar power. He dreams of seeing solar panels on every rooftop, which could meet the electricity needs of millions in Shanghai.
The prospects for the photovoltaic industry are bright, but challenges remain. While the government has introduced supportive policies, implementation is still unclear. Projects like Hangzhou East Railway Station’s 10 MW solar system demonstrate the potential, but settling payments remains a hurdle.
With continued policy support and clearer regulations, distributed photovoltaic power generation could become a major driver of green energy. As more households adopt solar technology, the future looks promising for a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape.Rain Shower Head with Handheld Shower Faucet Set Complete with High Pressure.Includes one-piece cartridge to simplify installation and maintenance.Our shower system provides free replacement parts in 5 years.
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