Researchers found that PV systems could produce electricity at a lower price than the grid in 344 cities.Good news for air quality and climate. China has been relying on coal-fired plants (72% in 2016).
Two anecdotes. I have a friend that teaches for six-weeks in Beijing on occasion. I once said to him that it must be a great experience. He answered that it was terrible, the pollution was so bad. I have another acquaintance that is Chinese, now living in the US. He's been here about 20 years. I asked him if he thought ever of returning to China. He shook his head and pointed upward. I asked him what he meant, and he said, "blue sky."
China is not alone in this in the developing world. Electrification is a big deal, and cost is a major consideration.
