Prospects for the solar energy industry

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As an industry in the environmental protection sector that features relatively high energy efficiency and low environmental impact, solar water heaters have, after 20 years of development and use in China, truly become a key sector of the country’s solar economy. Solar water heaters are accepted by consumers due to their advantages such as safety, energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. The market is growing at a rate of 20% to 30% per year, with an annual production volume of 8 million square meters; the total value of the solar water heater industry has exceeded 10 billion yuan. 　　The water heater industry is characterized by a tripartite competition, with solar water heaters emerging as the strongest option. According to statistics from the China Hardware Products Association, 57.4% of urban households in China currently have gas water heaters, 31.3% have electric water heaters, while only 7.6% have solar water heaters. However, in a survey on purchasing intentions among urban households, the proportions of these three options will change to 35.8%, 30.2%, and 23.3% respectively; the proportion of solar water heaters is set to increase significantly, with its market share continuing to rise. 　　At present, our country has become the world’s largest producer and user of solar water heaters. At the beginning of the century, the annual sales volume of solar water heaters in our country reached 6 million square meters, generating an output value of 6 billion yuan and resulting in tax payments of 250 million yuan. Experts estimate that this year the total number of solar water heaters in the country will reach 40 million square meters, with an annual capacity to replace 6 million tons of standard coal as a source of energy, ranking first in the world. 　　According to a survey on consumers’ intentions to purchase household appliances conducted by the Economic Forecasting Department of the **Information Center, the number of water heaters purchased by urban households in 1999 was 8.84 units per 100 households. The total sales volume increased by about 11% compared to 1998. Solar water heaters are seeing an annual growth rate of 30%, and they have become the dominant type among water heaters of all kinds (solar, electric, and gas water heaters). 　　 In the new century, with a new starting point, solar water heaters have established themselves in the market by continuing to innovate and integrating seamlessly with the real estate and construction industries. With the development of well-off housing, solar water heaters have entered households directly, becoming the main channel for market sales. Secondly, the active involvement of home appliance chain retailers indicates that solar water heaters have entered the mass consumer market and are rapidly becoming a household necessity ； 　　Life originates from the sun; let life return to its essential nature. In the new century, with a new generation making use of solar energy, a completely new way of life will be possible for oneself, for others, and for the world as a whole. 　　Solar energy: a new trend, a new standard. 　　Solar energy has a bright future and a vast market ； Solar energy – unstoppable!**