Solar powered heating systems for new residential buildings will become a legal obligation in the Chinese boom city of Shenzhen, as authorities attempt to harness the region's annual 2 000 hours of sunshine, says a report on the edie site.

Shenzhen's population exploded over the last quarter century, increasing about 32 times to reach 10m in 2005, largely due to migration. The growth in energy demand associated with the population boom in turn prompted municipal powers to push for energy efficiency and the development of renewables. ‘It's an important law that will ensure the wider application of solar power in the city, a sign the municipal government is putting more emphasis on renewable resources,’ Gao Erjian said. Those who defy the new law when it comes into force on November 1 will be slapped with a fine ranging from 50 000 yuan ($6 250) to 500 000 yuan ($62, 500).
Full report on the edie site