Solar power helping zap rural poverty

Development of the photovoltaic industry in the village of Beitou in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, has meant a helping hand to farmer Luo Laiping when he and his wife really needed it.

Luo, 53, has impaired vision, and his wife has learning disabilities and is unable to work. The couple earn only about 100 yuan ($15) per day from the land.

Now, in exchange for allowing solar panels on their property, the family will receive about 3,000 yuan more per year from the PV industry. The Nanchang city government has overseen the development of the industry to alleviate poverty and improve lives.