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China weeds out bad behaviour in quest to harvest farmers’ untapped solar power

The country’s energy regulator called for the ‘healthy and orderly’ growth of small-scale, distributed solar power and dissuaded monopolies

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Small-scale solar energy installations, like those on households or other buildings, often generate more power than their users need. Photo: Xinhua
Mandy Zuoin Shanghai

Chinese authorities have dissuaded a number of inefficient or counterproductive practices related to the installation of small-scale photovoltaic energy sources across the country's vast rural expanse, calling for the “healthy and orderly” growth of the sector.

Local governments and industry players were warned against behaviour that could harm farmers’ interests or create monopolies in a directive from the National Energy Administration (NEA) published last week. The administration urged them to solve long-standing issues with the integration of solar power into the national grid.

Rooftop solar panels have been installed on many rural houses over the past decade, but connecting the electricity they generate to the broader system remains a challenge.

In its directive, the energy regulator emphasised a market-driven approach for these projects, instructing local cadres to rely on competition rather than designating specific companies to take charge.

Local authorities were also barred from forcing farmers to purchase additional products or services – such as specialised equipment or insurance – when installing panels, which could create unnecessary financial burdens.

To ensure smooth implementation of solar projects, the NEA called for localised regulations to simplify approval, construction and grid connection under the principles of “scientific planning, orderly development, and local consumption”.

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