Boys stand in front of the solar modules that power their school (Caoduo school, Rongbo, Yu Shu)
The Rural Energy Development Project (REDP) has boosted the use of photovoltaic (PV) solar-home systems in off-grid areas in western China. This was achieved through support to the industry to improve the quality of PV modules and other components; technical and management assistance to local installation companies; and subsidies to sales. Between 2001 and 2008 the REDP enabled sales of over 402,000 systems, which improved quality of life through better light, communications and entertainment. Sales now continue without subsidies, because the benefits of PV are widely known, and the systems are reliable and accessible.
