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Photovoltaic to the countryside has a bright future.
In the cold of winter, where have China's photovoltaic (PV) products, which faced double counterattacks from Europe and the United States, found a new path? Recent policy announcements suggest that government departments have realized that only by developing the domestic market can the Chinese PV industry, which has hit rock bottom, find new vitality.
Since May this year, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has been conducting in-depth investigations into the use of solar power in rural areas across the country. Recently, it announced plans to lead the implementation of a "Photovoltaics to the Countryside" initiative. On December 19, during an executive meeting on PV industry issues, the State Council for the first time encouraged families to install and use photovoltaic power generation systems, signaling that the door is opening for distributed PV applications in rural markets.
Wen Jianhua, COO of Hunan Gongchuang Photovoltaic Technology Co., Ltd., told reporters from *China Science Journal*: “We've long been looking forward to this ‘Photovoltaics to the Countryside’ policy. It's the only way for solar energy to truly benefit people.â€
**Bright Prospects**
Currently, solar power in rural China is almost a "blank spot." Tapping into this huge potential market is crucial for the development of China’s PV industry. According to Li Junhua, a researcher at the China Business Intelligence Network, China already has the resources, technology, production capacity, and industrial infrastructure to accelerate the growth of the PV market. With high demand for electricity in both production and daily life, and abundant land resources, the rural market is expected to become a new growth driver.
For instance, using the slope of agricultural greenhouses to install transparent photovoltaic glass not only generates electricity but also promotes plant photosynthesis. It is reported that the area of standardized agricultural sheds in China has reached 50 million mu. If fully integrated with PV systems, this could create a market worth 250 billion yuan.
Wen Jianhua added: “Agricultural greenhouses are just one example. Rural areas cover vast regions, and many places lack grid access. PV can help fill this gap.†For example, insecticidal lamps used in fields can be powered by small thin-film solar batteries, and PV systems can also support water irrigation.
Compared to production uses, residential applications of PV are even broader. Wen said that the integration of photovoltaic buildings promoted by the government is not only suitable for cities but also for rural areas. In some affluent rural regions, households use more electricity than urban residents.
“I visited a farmer who owns a three-story house with over a dozen rooms. The balcony alone covers nearly 400 square meters. The whole family relies entirely on electricity, and their monthly bill reaches up to 1,000 degrees. This family is very suitable for transitioning to a photovoltaic-integrated building,†he explained.
**Grid Connection: The Main Obstacle**
However, the road to rural PV is not without challenges. As more farmers install PV systems, surplus electricity will need to be fed back into the grid. Grid connection remains the biggest hurdle.
Li Junhua noted that connecting excess electricity to the rural grid involves complex approval processes and technical barriers. To speed up the process, the State Grid Corporation issued a notice requiring grid companies to bear the cost of public grid upgrades for projects under 6 MW. However, if electricity is sold to the grid, two-way smart meters are still required.
Since the notice was issued, over 500 inquiries about distributed PV and grid connection were received in November, with 123 applications filed, totaling 176.4 megawatts. On December 21, Qingdao’s first residential PV system was successfully connected to the grid, marking a major step forward.
Wen Jianhua believes that in the early stages, rural PV should focus on self-use, off-grid or nearby grid connections. Over time, as the market develops, households or villages can sell electricity to the grid.
He admitted that rural grid infrastructure lags behind urban areas. Many towns have only one substation, and the distance between homes and the substation is often too great. But with the advancement of rural construction and urbanization, these problems will gradually be resolved.
**Urgent Need for Subsidies and Support**
Despite the potential, many rural households may struggle to afford the initial investment for PV systems. However, a recent survey by Hunan CCTC Solar Technology showed that even without subsidies, a family PV system can pay itself off within 6–8 years, with a return rate of 12%–15%.
Wen suggested that if families cannot afford the upfront cost, they can partner with energy management companies. These companies can invest and manage the system, while users enjoy the benefits of grid-connected electricity.
Li Junhua proposed that the government could provide direct investment or subsidies to companies in the early stages. He warned, however, that large-scale implementation in a short time is difficult.
Another key issue is the price at which the grid purchases PV electricity. Currently, the national grid buys electricity at around 0.5–0.6 yuan per kWh, while the state-set price is 1 yuan. How the government covers the difference will determine the success of the program.
Recent news shows progress: the State Council confirmed the subsidy policy for distributed generation, with estimates suggesting a standard of 0.4–0.6 yuan per kWh. Analyst Gui Fangxiao believes this rate is already attractive for investors.
In conclusion, Wen Jianhua emphasized that rural PV should prioritize areas with good solar resources and easy-to-transform buildings. The government should make overall plans and provide clear policies on regulations, subsidies, and project approvals. Only then can the dream of "photovoltaics to the countryside" become a reality.