China's Solar Rooftop Program, which was launched in March this year by the Ministry of Finance, is designed to increase the energy efficiency of buildings through the installation of building-attached and building- integrated solar PV systems.

The first set of applications was submitted in April, and 111 solar rooftop projects totalling 91 MW across China have been approved to receive funds through the programme.

The solar rooftop system owners are expected to receive a 13-17 RMB/W rebate for all projects approved through the solar rooftop programme.

In addition to supplying products to 20% of the approved solar rooftop projects, Suntech will participate as the system owner or partial investor in some solar rooftop projects.

Suntech has completed 4 MW of its approved solar rooftop projects and plans to develop the remainder by mid-2010. Specific project agreements will be signed prior to implementation.

The Solar Rooftop Program places particular emphasis on technologically advanced, building-integrated solar systems (BIPV).