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BEIJING: The use of solar energy is widespread in China, but more needs to be done before the technology can reach every household.
For the longest time, Chinese villagers have depended on a rudimentary system to tap solar energy to heat water – they fill up a drum with water, and leave it on the roof.
This method is cheap, clean and effective, but the water does not stay warm for very long, especially in winter. So, some turn to gas or electricity to heat or boil water.
Song Yang, export manager of Sunda Solar Energy Technology, said: "The challenge now is in discovering more efficient materials and improving the design for solar energy equipment.
"The development of clean energy is relatively new compared with traditional forms of energy. As a result, the manufacturing cost remains high for now."
China has so far invested US$3.4 billion from its economic stimulus package for energy conservation and environmental programmes.
It aims to produce one-fifth of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020.
- CNA/yb
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