In recent days, the slowdown in China's GDP growth has sparked widespread debate. Many people are questioning whether the Chinese economy is on a healthy trajectory and have begun to lose confidence in its future performance. In response, the "Half an Hour in Economy" program takes a closer look at the front lines of social and economic development, offering a real glimpse into the Chinese economy. The renewable energy sector, particularly the photovoltaic industry, is often seen as a symbol of the new economy. However, when it comes to solar power and photovoltaics, many people immediately think of terms like low-price competition and export restrictions. But what if you were told that in the near future, many households will be able to install their own solar power stations on their rooftops? Imagine being able to not only use electricity freely at home but also sell surplus power back to the national grid. Would you believe that?
**I. Home-Generated Electricity: Rooftop Solar Power**
Zhao Chunjiang, director of the Institute of Solar Energy at the Shanghai Institute of Electric Power, built the first personal solar power station in China on his roof in 2006. He installed 22 solar panels, creating a small-scale power system that he compares to a 30-megawatt power plant. Though it may seem tiny compared to large thermal power plants that generate hundreds of thousands of kilowatts, Zhao’s system is a complete and efficient mini-power plant. The electricity produced from his home is of the same quality and voltage (220V) as that from traditional power sources.
Back in 2012, after moving to a new home, Zhao built another rooftop solar power station. According to him, the principle behind residential photovoltaic power generation is simple: sunlight hits the solar modules, generating direct current, which is then converted to 220V and 50Hz alternating current through an inverter. The equipment required for this process is minimal—just solar panels, an inverter, an AC protection switch, and a bidirectional meter.
Zhao believes that in the future, these systems could be sold as complete units, much like purchasing a television, with professionals handling the installation. All one would need to do is assess the site.
The cost of installing a home-based solar system is actually quite reasonable. Zhao studied in Japan for many years, where by the early 2000s, over 600,000 households had already adopted solar power. When he returned to China in 2006, Shanghai was aiming to launch a 100,000-roof solar project, targeting 330 million kWh of annual electricity generation. After coming back, Zhao invested more than 120,000 yuan in solar components. When he moved to Xinzhuang in 2012, he built a new photovoltaic system integrated with his roof, with a total investment of just 50,000 yuan.
His current solar system has a capacity of 3.5 kilowatts, producing about 3.5 kWh per hour on average. Over the past year, the system generated more than 4,100 kWh of electricity. His wife shared happily that using electrical appliances has become a source of joy. Previously, they used to limit their use of air conditioners, fish tanks, and TVs due to high electricity bills. Now, they can use them freely. She feels that solar power has truly improved her quality of life. Additionally, the excess 2,000 kWh generated each year can be fed back into the national grid.
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