Under the "Regulatory Scheme Agreement" effective after 2018, the online electricity tariff and renewable energy certificates are two important new measures to promote the development of distributed renewable energy. In April 2017, the government signed the relevant agreements with two power companies.
Under the scheme, individuals who install solar photovoltaic or wind power systems at their premises can sell the renewable energy produced to the power company at a rate of up to five times the general electricity tariff. Taking a single-storey village house with an area of approximately 700 square feet as an example, regulations allow for about 350 square feet of solar panels to be installed on the roof, but the power company will first deduct the electricity bills, and the remaining amount will be paid by cheque. Participating households can view their income in each bill, which is settled every two months.
