China’s ambitious solar rooftop initiative accelerates, but grid infrastructure struggles to keep up with the surge in energy production.

Former construction contractor Gao Shouguang left his old job to become a solar panel distributor in Chongqing, China. He and his team install rooftop solar panels on houses, which generate electricity that can be sold to grid companies. The panels also provide waterproofing and insulation, making them popular with farmers. While the initial investment is high, with a 100 square meter rooftop typically requiring a 100,000 yuan (approx. $13,700) installment, Gao’s company offers 25-year contracts to homeowners, paying 15 yuan per panel per year, plus a one-time bonus in the first year. Homeowners can earn around 450 yuan annually (approx. $62) from renting their rooftop space, while solar panel companies can earn approximately 780 yuan (approx. $110) per month by selling the generated electricity to grid companies.