This Day, That Year

Editor's note: This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of New China.

In the 1980s, there was no electricity in Yuzhong, Gansu province. On Oct 8, 1985, a 10-kilowatt photovoltaic power station was built, helping to provide a bright future for people. It was the country's first such station. The 34-year-old power station still generates electricity.

Since its successful rollout, China's solar sector has made great strides. An item on Dec 16, 1998, from China Daily showed a solar station providing electricity for 70 families in Gonghe county, Qinghai province.