Photovoltaic panels are installed on a roof in Changsheng village in Haimen district. [Photo/WeChat account: haimenrongmei]

The construction of 15 photovoltaic power stations in rural areas of Haimen district, Nantong is progressing smoothly and is expected to be completed by the end of this year, local media outlets reported.

Representing an investment of 4 million yuan ($625,200), the power stations boast a combined capacity of 1,100 kW and will generate nearly 900,000 yuan in profit annually.

Set up by villages and companies, the power stations are a key measure taken by the Nantong government to push forward rural rejuvenation.

Local companies have been encouraged to install photovoltaic panels on the roofs of farmhouses and villages will sell the power to these companies at a price that is 10 percent lower than the market rate.

Officials said that this is a win-win cooperation that helps companies reduce their power costs while increasing the income of villages.

Changsheng village, which has been deemed to have weak economic development, received 350,000 yuan in funding to build a 100-kW photovoltaic power facility this year.

"The photovoltaic power station took about a month to build and started operations on Sept 3," said Liu Qiang, Party secretary of the village.

"The project will bring in more than 100,000 yuan in operation revenue for our village and we are planning to build another one with a capacity of 150 to 200 kW so as to generate more profits," Liu added.