Solar energy, as a clean and renewable source of electricity, has been gaining popularity in recent years and Longquan – a county-level city administered by Lishui in East China's Zhejiang province – has been riding the wave of change.

It's emerged as a trailblazer in advancing solar photovoltaic or PV power generation, laying the foundations for a green and prosperous future for its residents.

As one of the first batch of low carbon trial counties in Zhejiang, Longquan's installed capacity of solar PV power generation had reached 127,200 kilowatts by June, showing strong momentum.

"We can earn almost 540 yuan ($75) per day from solar PV power generation," said Yuan Jianping, a member of Xiajin village Party branch.

He added that the project was expected to increase the village's collective income by 140,000 yuan this year.

Elsewhere in Chatian town, Jietouqiao Small and Micro Enterprises Park comprises sections A, B, C and D. In section A, rows of meticulously aligned solar panels cover the roofs of standard factory buildings, glistening splendidly in the sun.

A vista of the well-organized solar PV power generation units in Longquan. [Photo/zj.chinanews.com]

According to Liu Zhengxing, secretary of Chayi village Party branch, they made more than 20,000 yuan from solar PV power generation last year.

The erection of the rooftop solar panels in sections A and B has brought  lucrative returns, combining rental income from factory buildings with the proceeds from solar power generation. Remarkably, this has generated an annual revenue increase of 400,000 yuan for the 17 locally invested administrative villages.

Moving forwards, plans are for Longquan to adopt measures especially designed for the local conditions – tapping into the abundant clean energy reservoirs of the city's mountainous areas, embracing the potential of hydropower, solar energy, wind energy and other sustainable resources.