Governance Challenges and Solutions of the Solar Energy for Poverty Alleviation Program in China: The Case of Jinzhai County

Abstract

This paper discusses one of China's targeted poverty alleviation programs, namely the Solar Energy for Poverty Alleviation Program (SEPAP). SEPAP is an important and innovative policy that enables poor households to earn additional income by installing solar panels and selling the generated electricity to the grid. However, there are still some doubts regarding the actual effects of SEPAP. Based on the results of 30 semi-structured interviews with village leaders and local government officials in Jinzhai County, China, we explore in-depth the development stages and the types of SEPAP. In addition, we discuss the governance challenges of SEPAP implementation in Jinzhai County, including poor construction quality, maintenance difficulties, inadequate maintenance service, and delays in the payment of government subsidies. We also discuss how the local government has worked together with both the upper levels of government and the poor households to address some of these challenges.