China Gives Small-Scale Solar A Subsidy Boost

Small-scale solar is getting a big boost in China thanks to a new subsidy for distributed solar projects below 6 MW. The new solar subsidy works out to CNY0.42/kWh — or US$0.07/kWh — according to local press reports.

The new subsidy is part of a larger push by the Chinese government — one aiming for increased installation rates with regard to small-scale solar PV. Other aspects of the push include exemption from grid connection costs for small-scale solar PV, waived requirements for government approval for distributed power projects, a number of pilot and demonstration projects, and a raised national capacity target for 2015.

Image Credit: International Rivers (some rights reserved)

In that vein, the State Council announced its plans last week to renew its push for distributed solar energy — the council chose 100 demonstration zones, and selected 1,000 towns and villages to be home to pilot programs. The council also increased the nation’s capacity target for 2015 to 35 GW.

And, as mentioned before, the National Development and Reform Council (NDRC) “also waived the requirement for distributed power projects to gain approval, regardless of their size. They now only need to notify the NDRC, significantly cutting the time and paperwork for households and small businesses interested in solar,” as reported by PV Tech.

[source: http://feeds.importantmedia.org/~r/IM-greenbuildingelements/~3/JZk_jXXmnUU/]