Aiming for blue skies

Huang is also a deputy to the National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, and has submitted more than 40 proposals for solar energy industry development this year. Among his suggestions are the proposal to use solar-powered gas and water heaters instead of the ones running on electricity.

Last year, he submitted nearly 35 solar energy proposals to the government and has received feedback. But he admits that not much headway has been made on them yet.

"I received the feedback to my proposals, and I can only say that I have to be satisfied," he says without divulging details.

Even as he tries to elicit support for his proposals from other deputies, Huang also wants companies to consider solar energy as more of a social responsibility.

Despite the government's seriousness and commitment to promote clean energy use, renewable energy accounted for just 3 percent of the total energy consumption last year.

Huang says that it would take collective efforts for the nation to realize its clean energy goals.

To some extent, he expects his "Solar Valley" project to be a catalyst in this change.

There are over 4,000 students in the Solar Valley who are majoring in various solar disciplines like photo-thermal and photovoltaic studies, Huang wants to increase the talent pool to over 20,000 in the next few years.

Most of students are from less developed areas and study in Dezhou on scholarships. But Huang does not consider it as an act of charity. "I am helping students so that they can shape their own future. More importantly, they will be the future cornerstone of China's clean energy drive."

There are over 2,800 solar water heater companies in China but most of them are just workshops. According to China Central Television, sales of solar water heaters increased by 34 percent in 2009 compared with 2008. Despite this there are still no clear standards for the industry.

Himin's solar energy products enjoy good reputation in the rural market despite its higher prices.

"I am happy that customers are looking for high quality products and not just the prices," he says.