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LightInTheBox Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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– Returns to Profitability with Net Income of $0.6 Million

SINGAPORE, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE: LITB) (“LightInTheBox” or the “Company”), an apparel e-commerce retailer that ships products to consumers worldwide, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

“The second quarter of 2024 was a challenging one, with intensified competition and high traffic acquisition costs in the global e-commerce market continuing to weigh on our topline,” said Mr. Jian He, Chairman and CEO of LightInTheBox. “However, our strategic pivot to prioritize profitability proved effective, resulting in a turnaround with net income reaching $0.6 million for the second quarter of 2024 compared with a loss for the same period of last year and the first quarter of this year. Meanwhile, we continued to refine our differentiation strategy with a focus on strengthening localized operations, propelling progress in certain product lines.”

“Encouraged by the outcomes of these initiatives, we will continue to concentrate on overall efficiency and profitability amid the evolving environment. Additionally, we will further upgrade our products, services and customer experience, as well as our localized operations, to differentiate ourselves and build brand recognition and loyalty in this competitive industry. As always, we are committed to driving high-quality development and delivering sustainable value to all stakeholders in the long run,” Mr. He concluded.

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

Total revenues were $69.4 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with $191.8 million in the same period of 2023.Net income was $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with net loss of $1.5 million in the same period of 2023.Adjusted EBITDA was an income of $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with a loss of $0.7 million in the same period of 2023.

First Half 2024 Financial Highlights

Total revenues were $140.5 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $339.5 million in the same period of 2023.Net loss was $3.2 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $5.4 million in the same period of 2023.Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $1.9 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $3.8 million in the same period of 2023.

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Total revenues decreased by 63.8% year-over-year to $69.4 million from $191.8 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Total cost of revenues was $26.1 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with $81.6 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Gross profit in the second quarter of 2024 was $43.3 million, compared with $110.2 million in the same quarter of 2023. Gross margin was 62.4% in the second quarter of 2024, compared with 57.5% in the same quarter of 2023.

Total operating expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were $42.7 million, compared with $111.8 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Fulfillment expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were $5.0 million, compared with $9.9 million in the same quarter of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, fulfillment expenses were 7.2% in the second quarter of 2024, compared with 5.2% in the same quarter of 2023 and 8.1% in the first quarter of 2024.

Selling and marketing expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were $31.5 million, compared with $94.0 million in the same quarter of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, selling and marketing expenses were 45.5% in the second quarter of 2024, compared with 49.0% in the same quarter of 2023 and 46.0% in the first quarter of 2024.

G&A expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were $6.4 million, compared with $8.2 million in the same quarter of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, G&A expenses were 9.2% in the second quarter of 2024, compared with 4.3% in the same quarter of 2023 and 10.2% in the first quarter of 2024. As part of G&A expenses, R&D expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were $4.0 million, compared with $5.1 million in the same quarter of 2023 and $4.6 million in the first quarter of 2024.

Income from operations was $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with a loss of $1.6 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Net income was $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with a loss of $1.5 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Net income per American Depository Share (“ADS”) was $0.01 in the second quarter of 2024, compared with net loss per ADS of $0.01 in the same quarter of 2023. Each ADS represents two ordinary shares. The diluted net income per ADS in the second quarter of 2024 was $0.01, compared with net loss per ADS of $0.01 in the same quarter of 2023.

In the second quarter of 2024, the Company’s basic weighted average number of ADSs used in computing the net income per ADS was 110,342,430.

Adjusted EBITDA was an income of $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with a loss of $0.7 million in the same quarter of 2023.

As of June 30, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of $27.9 million, compared with $71.7 million as of December 31, 2023.

First Half 2024 Financial Results

Total revenues decreased by 58.6% year-over-year to $140.5 million from $339.5 million in the same period of 2023.

Total cost of revenues was $55.8 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $146.9 million in the same period of 2023.

Gross profit in the first half of 2024 was $84.7 million, compared with $192.7 million in the same period of 2023. Gross margin was 60.3% in the first half of 2024, compared with 56.7% in the same period of 2023.

Total operating expenses in the first half of 2024 were $88.1 million, compared with $198.2 million in the same period of 2023.

Fulfillment expenses in the first half of 2024 were $10.8 million, compared with $18.5 million in the same period of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, fulfillment expenses were 7.7% in the first half of 2024, compared with 5.5% in the same period of 2023.

Selling and marketing expenses in the first half of 2024 were $64.3 million, compared with $163.2 million in the same period of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, selling and marketing expenses were 45.7% for the first half of 2024, compared with 48.0% in the same period of 2023.

G&A expenses in the first half of 2024 were $13.7 million, compared with $17.2 million in the same period of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, G&A expenses were 9.7% for the first half of 2024, compared with 5.1% in the same period of 2023. Included in G&A expenses, R&D expenses in the first half of 2024 were $8.6 million, compared with $10.3 million in the same period of 2023.

Loss from operations was $3.4 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $5.6 million in the same period of 2023.

Net loss was $3.2 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $5.4 million in the same period of 2023.

Net loss per American Depository Share (“ADS”) was $0.03 in the first half of 2024, compared with $0.05 in the same period of 2023. Each ADS represents two ordinary shares. The diluted net loss per ADS for the first half of 2024 was $0.03, compared with $0.05 in the same period of 2023.

In the first half of 2024, the Company’s basic weighted average number of ADSs used in computing the net loss per ADS was 110,802,352.

Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $1.9 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $3.8 million in the same period of 2023.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

In evaluating the business, the Company considers and uses a non-GAAP measure, Adjusted EBITDA, as a supplemental measure to review and assess operating performance. The presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The Company’s non-GAAP financial measure excludes share-based compensation expenses, depreciation and amortization expenses, interest income, interest expenses and income tax expense.

The Company presents this non-GAAP financial measure because it is used by management to evaluate operating performance and formulate business plans. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measure helps identify underlying trends in its business. The Company also believes that the non-GAAP financial measure could provide further information about the Company’s results of operations and enhance the overall understanding of the Company’s past performance and future prospects.

The non-GAAP financial measure is not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measure has limitations as an analytical tool. The Company’s non-GAAP financial measure does not reflect all items of income and expenses that affect the Company’s operations and does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. Further, the non-GAAP measure may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited. The Company compensates for the limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating performance. The Company encourages you to review the Company’s financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

For more information on the non-GAAP financial measure, please see the table captioned “Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this press release.

Conference Call

The Company’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on August 2, 2024 (9:00 p.m. Hong Kong/Singapore Time on the same day).

Preregistration Information

Participants can register for the conference call by going to https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10040986-jh7t5r.html. Upon registration, participants will receive dial-in numbers, an event passcode, and a unique access PIN.

To join the conference, simply dial the number in the calendar invite you receive after preregistering, enter the event passcode followed by your unique access PIN, and you will be connected to the conference instantly.

A telephone replay will be available two hours after the conclusion of the conference call through August 9, 2024. The dial-in details are:

         US/Canada:              +1-855-883-1031

         Singapore:                800-101-3223

         Hong Kong, China:   800-930-639

         Replay PIN:              10040986

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at http://ir.lightinthebox.com

About LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.

LightInTheBox is an apparel e-commerce retailer that ships products to consumers worldwide. With a focus on serving its middle-aged and senior customers, LightInTheBox leverages its global supply chain and logistics networks, along with its in-house R&D and design capabilities to offer a wide selection of comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and visually interesting apparel that brings fresh joy to customers. LightInTheBox operates its business through www.lightinthebox.com, www.ezbuy.sg and other websites as well as mobile applications, which are available in over 20 major languages and over 140 countries and regions. The Company is headquartered in Singapore, with additional offices in California, Shanghai and Beijing.

For more information, please visit www.lightinthebox.com.

Investor Relations Contact

Investor Relations
LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.
Email: ir@lightinthebox.com

Jenny Cai
Piacente Financial Communications
Email: lightinthebox@tpg-ir.com

Brandi Piacente
Piacente Financial Communications
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
Email: lightinthebox@tpg-ir.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “targets” and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about LightInTheBox’s beliefs and expectations, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as LightInTheBox’s strategic and operational plans, are or contain forward-looking statements.

LightInTheBox may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: LightInTheBox’s goals and strategies; LightInTheBox’s future business development, results of operations and financial condition; the expected growth of the global online retail market; LightInTheBox’s ability to attract customers and further enhance customer experience and product offerings; LightInTheBox’s ability to strengthen its supply chain efficiency and optimize its logistics network; LightInTheBox’s expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products; competition; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in LightInTheBox’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and LightInTheBox does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

 

 

LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(U.S. dollars in thousands, or otherwise noted)

As of December 31,

As of June 30,

2023

2024

ASSETS

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

66,425

25,287

Restricted cash

5,279

2,624

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses

634

994

Inventories

5,767

4,480

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

6,875

9,098

Total current assets

84,980

42,483

Property and equipment, net

2,789

2,145

Intangible assets, net

3,604

3,089

Goodwill

27,393

26,778

Operating lease right-of-use assets

6,559

6,934

Long-term rental deposits

392

312

Long-term investment

74

Other non-current assets

592

TOTAL ASSETS

126,309

81,815

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY / (DEFICIT)

Current Liabilities

Accounts payable

15,846

14,227

Advance from customers

17,001

13,258

Operating lease liabilities

5,046

4,049

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

94,622

61,891

Total current liabilities

132,515

93,425

Operating lease liabilities

1,915

1,650

Deferred tax liabilities

154

150

Unrecognized tax benefits

107

107

TOTAL LIABILITIES

134,691

95,332

EQUITY / (DEFICIT)

Ordinary shares

17

17

Additional paid-in capital

283,137

282,862

Treasury shares

(30,359)

(31,045)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(1,856)

(2,823)

Accumulated deficit

(259,321)

(262,528)

TOTAL EQUITY / (DEFICIT)

(8,382)

(13,517)

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY / (DEFICIT)

126,309

81,815

 

 

 

LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data, or otherwise noted)

Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

2023

2024

2023

2024

Revenues

Product sales

189,730

67,152

334,331

134,983

Services and others

2,037

2,210

5,217

5,548

Total revenues

191,767

69,362

339,548

140,531

Cost of revenues

Product sales

(81,142)

(25,513)

(145,318)

(54,583)

Services and others

(435)

(559)

(1,538)

(1,209)

Total Cost of revenues

(81,577)

(26,072)

(146,856)

(55,792)

Gross profit

110,190

43,290

192,692

84,739

Operating expenses

Fulfillment

(9,906)

(5,010)

(18,542)

(10,756)

Selling and marketing

(94,038)

(31,527)

(163,150)

(64,268)

General and administrative

(8,176)

(6,411)

(17,233)

(13,670)

Other operating income

332

277

677

563

Total operating expenses

(111,788)

(42,671)

(198,248)

(88,131)

(Loss) / income from operations

(1,598)

619

(5,556)

(3,392)

Interest income

143

14

173

84

Interest expense

(1)

(2)

Other (expense) / income, net

(1)

(9)

20

102

Total other income

141

5

191

186

(Loss) / income before income taxes

(1,457)

624

(5,365)

(3,206)

Income tax expense

(1)

(48)

(1)

Net (loss) / income

(1,457)

623

(5,413)

(3,207)

Net (loss) / income attributable to

LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.

(1,457)

623

(5,413)

(3,207)

Weighted average numbers of shares used in

calculating (loss) / income per ordinary share

-Basic

226,738,924

220,684,859

226,699,828

221,604,704

-Diluted

226,738,924

221,451,741

226,699,828

221,604,704

Net (loss) / income per ordinary share

-Basic

(0.01)

0.00

(0.02)

(0.01)

-Diluted

(0.01)

0.00

(0.02)

(0.01)

Net (loss) / income per ADS (2 ordinary

shares equal to 1 ADS)

-Basic

(0.01)

0.01

(0.05)

(0.03)

-Diluted

(0.01)

0.01

(0.05)

(0.03)

 

 

 

LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.

Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results

(U.S. dollars in thousands, or otherwise noted)

Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

2023

2024

2023

2024

Net (loss) / income 

(1,457)

623

(5,413)

(3,207)

Less: Interest income

143

14

173

84

Interest expense

(1)

(2)

Income tax expense

(1)

(48)

(1)

Depreciation and amortization

(826)

(521)

(1,655)

(1,147)

EBITDA

(773)

1,131

(3,881)

(2,143)

Less: Share-based compensation

(78)

(52)

(83)

(276)

Adjusted EBITDA*

(695)

1,183

(3,798)

(1,867)

* Adjusted EBITDA represents net (loss) / income before share-based compensation expense, interest income, interest
expense, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization expenses.

 

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SOURCE LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.

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TCL 50 PRO NXTPAPER 5G Smartphone Named CES 2025 Innovation Award Honoree

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IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — TCL, a pioneer in display technology across feature-rich smartphones, tablets, and connected devices, is proud to announce its TCL 50 PRO NXTPAPER 5G smartphone has been honored with a CES 2025 Innovation Award for Mobile Devices. The recognition exemplifies TCL’s commitment to humanize technology and deliver innovative products optimized for the user experience.

This marks the second year in a row TCL has been recognized by the CTA for its mobile products. Last year, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER smartphone was also named a CES 2024 Innovation Award honoree in the Mobile Devices category. Emboldened by the positive feedback and results, TCL is committed to further pushing the boundaries of innovation with even more advanced and humanized technology for all users.

“At TCL, we’re not only keeping our finger on the pulse of the industry; we dig deep into every aspect of the user journey to help inform the devices that we craft,” said Jefferson Li, General Manager of TCL Mobile Phone Business Unit. “Integrating the pioneering NXTPAPER technology with cutting-edge AI capabilities, the TCL 50 PRO NXTPAPER 5G phone represents a significant upgrade in how we experience our digital world, providing users a clearer, more comfortable way to watch, create, and read wherever they go – all at an affordable price.”

The launch of the TCL 50 PRO NXTPAPER 5G at IFA 2024 in September has been a major highlight in TCL’s journey towards excellence this year. Leveraging AI functionalities powered by TCL’s partnership with Microsoft, and the distinct advantages of the latest NXTPAPER technology, the device is tailored to enrich reading and viewing experiences with enhanced productivity and unparalleled eye comfort. Representing a harmonious integration of technology and daily life, it empowers users with the freedom to effortlessly access and enjoy content in any setting.

The CES Innovation Awards program, organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), is an annual competition honoring outstanding design and engineering in a multitude of consumer technology product categories. An elite panel of industry expert judges review and select the highest-scoring submissions based on innovation, engineering and functionality, aesthetics, and design.

The TCL 50 PRO NXTPAPER 5G boasts an exceptionally clear display that can minimize glare and reduce eye strain in any lighting condition, emulating the look and feel of paper that is gentle on the eyes. Adaptive screen settings optimize brightness and automatically adjust color temperature based on the time of day for a comfortable and natural viewing experience. A switch of the NXTPAPER Key instantly activates Max Ink Mode, promoting focused and immersive reading and minimizing eye fatigue. Combined with the Eye Care Assistant, the smartphone accommodates a contemporary digital lifestyle by prioritizing visual comfort. With sleek basalt cover and infinite pool design, it seamlessly blends both form and function.

About TCL Mobile
TCL Mobile specializes in the research, development and manufacturing of smartphones, tablets and connected devices. On a mission to deliver 5G for all, TCL Mobile helps its customers ‘Inspire Greatness’ in their lives through industry leading technology and solutions. For more information on TCL mobile devices, please visit: https://www.tcl.com/global/en/mobile

About TCL
TCL Electronics specializes in the research, development and manufacturing of consumer electronics including TVs, mobile phones, audio devices, smart home products and appliances. Combining thoughtful design and innovative technology to inspire greatness, our lineup delivers must-have features and meaningful experiences. As one of the world’s largest consumer electronics brands, our vertically integrated supply chain, and state-of-the-art display panel factory help TCL deliver innovation for all. For more information, please visit: https://www.tcl.com 

TCL is a registered trademark of TCL Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 

 

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SOURCE TCL Communication Technology Holdings Ltd.

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Deepak Chem Tech Limited to invest Rs 5000 Crores to acquire Polycarbonate Assets of Trinseo at Germany

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The Board approves Rs 5000 Crore investmentIncludes Greenfield infrastructure capex and Technology LicenseTo manufacture 165000 Metric Tonnes Polycarbonate Resin at DahejDeepak Chem Tech Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Deepak Nitrite Ltd.

VADODARA, India, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Deepak Chem Tech Limited plans to invest Rs 5000 Crores in Polycarbonate Project. Deepak Chem Tech Limited (DCTL) – a wholly owned subsidiary of Deepak Nitrite Limited, has approved to undertake a project for manufacturing Polycarbonate resins, proposed to be setup at the greenfield site located at Dahej, Gujarat, to produce 165,000 Metric Tonnes. The plant is expected to be commissioned by the fourth quarter of FY 2028. For this, Deepak Chem Tech Ltd. has entered into an agreement with Trinseo to acquire its Polycarbonate assets located at Stade, Germany along with technology license. The agreement also provides access to Trinseo’s globally recognized CALIBRETM resins and trademark.

Polycarbonate is amongst the most versatile emerging polymer finding extensive applications in automotive segments including electric mobility, electronics and electrical, construction, appliances, medical devices and other sunrise sectors such as aerospace, aviation, drones etc.

Commenting on the development, Shri Deepak C Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director of Deepak Nitrite Limited said, “This is historic collaboration between DCTL and Trinseo opens strategic opportunities for both the companies to explore partnerships in downstream compounds as well as complimentary technology tie-ups to service India’s burgeoning appetite for high quality engineering polymers. The tagline ‘Made in India‘ coupled with world scale capacities and formidable brand credibility, opens a new horizon of opportunities in the Advanced Materials front.”

Trinseo is a major manufacturer of engineering polymers and compounds with reported net sales of approximately $3.7 billion in 2023. Its engineering compound portfolio finds application with global, marque brands across industries.

About Deepak Nitrite Limited:

Deepak Nitrite Limited (NSE: DEEPAKNTR, BSE: 506401), India’s fastest growing Chemical Intermediates company, has a diversified portfolio that caters to the dyes and pigments, agrochemical, pharmaceutical, plastics, textiles, paper and home, and personal care segments and Petro derivates intermediates -phenolics, acetone and IPA in India, and overseas. Its products are manufactured across seven locations, which are all accredited by Responsible Care. It is certified by Ecovadis, TfS and is part of the Nicer Globe Alliance. Focusing on a Triple Bottomline principle of People, Planet, Profit, Deepak Nitrite Ltd. deploys globally benchmarked standards & systems, we are now accredited ‘Silver Rating’ by EcoVadis in 2022, for sustainability initiatives.

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Global Times: Illuminate roof of ‘Beautiful China’: Solar-powered rooftops transform countryside environments, boost rural revitalization efforts

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BEIJING, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The upper part of the Chinese character “home” resembles a roof, symbolizing a home can only exist with a roof over it.

Today, an increasing number of Chinese people are creating environmentally friendly landscapes on the roofs they cherish most, showcasing a tangible “Beautiful China” through their homes.

In early winter, at the foot of the Helan Mountains, the sun still brightly shines over the vast Gobi Desert. When people enter Yuanlong village of Minning town, Northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, one can find rows of newly constructed agricultural residences with red tiles and white walls lining the road. From above, the blue photovoltaic panels glimmering on each red roof create a colorful mosaic under the sunlight.

Chinese people have aspired to convey their vision of harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity through architecture. Regarding the decision to install photovoltaic panels on the roof of her house, villager Zhang Hui told the Global Times that by installing photovoltaic panels on their roofs, they earn extra money, and the clean energy generated by the panels also gives them a channel to make their contribution to the country’s emissions reduction and energy conservation efforts.

“We want to further emphasize the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature, embodying a characteristic of Chinese modernization through our roofs,” she said.

In recent years, China’s solar photovoltaic technology is emerging as a key component of China’s strategy to achieve its “dual carbon” goals, which aimed at achieving peak carbon emissions by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2060. 

The creation of this elevated landscape is a vivid representation of the Chinese people’s efforts in building a “Beautiful China” in all respects. In this revolutionary transformation that involving production methods, lifestyles, and values, countless individuals have keenly perceived that China is keeping pace with the times, making a sound, inclusive ecological environment for the well-being of the people.

Cash in on the sun

For the residents of the village, installing rooftop solar systems and earning money from sunlight has now become a source of joy. “Because when you look up, you can see your own roof, and it reminds you of the abundant harvest you have,” Zhang said.

Since 2016, Yuanlong village has successively built a 5-megawatt rooftop photovoltaic power station, supplied by photovoltaic panels on the roofs of over 1,635 immigrant households, accounting for nearly 96 of the village’s total households. As of March 2024, this initiative had earned a total of 40.22 million yuan ($ 5.5 million) in photovoltaic revenue for the village.

Since 2018, Zhang’s family has been renting the 54-square-meter rooftop to the power company, and the annual rental fee has increased from 300 yuan to 480 yuan as the power station has gradually entered a stable operating phase.

Beyond the tangible rental income, Zhang has also witnessed the thriving changes brought to her village by the rooftop photovoltaic power station program.

In 2020, the photovoltaic power station in Yuanlong village generated 850,000 yuan in revenue for the village collective. A portion of this revenue is distributed to villagers as rental fees, while another part is used as dividends for the village collective’s shares, funding various public welfare expenditures such as environmental sanitation improvements, major illness assistance for villagers, and education support.

The Global Times has learned how the rooftop solar systems program in Yuanlong village was operated: the local government attracts external investment to bid for the construction of a photovoltaic power station, guarantees a 100 percent buyback of the project’s output, ensuring that the village and its residents will receive 100 percent of profits during the 20-year operational period of the power station.

“Turning green, clean energy advantages into economic development advantages is a new concept for us,” said Ha Manpeng, 44, a villager from Yuanlong

Ha and many other villagers learned that the area they live has a high altitude, flat terrain and long sunlight hours, making it suitable for the installing of clean and efficient solar photovoltaic systems

“Simply retrofit the vacant roof, there will be a stable and long-term additional benefit. The manufacturers cooperating with the government will regularly send personnel to maintain, and regularly update the equipment, thus we have nothing to worry about,” Ha said.

Comfort life out of mountains

Zhang jokingly remarked that rooftop solar power generation has allowed the Yuanlong’s villagers to truly transition from a weather-dependent life to “making money from the weather.”

The over 10,000 villagers in Yuanlong were moved from another village – Xihaigu in 2012, which is a largely mountainous region that was labeled the “most unfit place for human settlement” by the United Nations in the 1970s due to land reclamation, drought, and a fragile ecological environment. 

Ha recalled his childhood living in the village hidden in the folds of the mountains, where every household was plunged into darkness at night.

Over the past 40 years, Ningxia launched six large-scale resettlement schemes, moving some 1.23 million people from Xihaigu to more habitable areas. The relocation was part of the poverty alleviation drive, fulfilling many villagers’ desire for a comfortable life out of the mountains.

Having escaped the vicious cycle of ecological and survival crises, what kind of life and development path did the villagers of Xihaigu choose in their new homes?

Yuanlong village is one of the villages that has benefited early from the income generated by photovoltaic power stations. Ha was among the first residents to install solar panels on roof.

Initially, Ha’s personal experience with the five photovoltaic panels installed on his roof was simply that they provided shade on sunny days, and made the roof less prone to leaks on rainy days. As more households in the village adopted the solar rooftops, Ha witnessed a profound improvement in the living conditions of the villagers, along with an increase in their income.

As of November 2020, China had achieved the feat of delisting all 832 poverty-stricken counties. The development of photovoltaic power stations, as a typical model of industrial poverty alleviation, has contributed to this historic achievement.

According to China’s National Energy Administration, by the end of 2020, China had built photovoltaic power stations with a combined capacity of 26.36 million kilowatts,  generating approximately 18 billion yuan in annual electricity revenue, and creating 1.25 million public welfare jobs.

When this clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient energy enters the homes of ordinary people, it not only provides shelter through new types of rooftops for families, but also supports more Chinese people in achieving a moderately prosperous life. Many residents have come to realize that their choices contribute to the country’s energy conservation and emission reduction efforts.

They want to do even more.

“When I was a child, there was no electricity in my home, but now we can even produce electricity at home. In our village, people prefers to buy new energy vehicles. Waste sorting has become a habit for the villagers,” Ha said.

“When we go out traveling, the children can immediately ‘capture’ solar panels everywhere. They are also very happy to see that more and more villages began to install solar rooftops just like us,” Zhang added. 

Green electricity town

Facing the changes in life, as an official of the Yuanlong village, Zhang’s focus has gradually shifted from the land owned by villagers to the cattle and sheep they raise, and the job opportunities available to them. Now, she is also gradually learning to consider all these key aspects within the context of the new era of development she is in.

Whenever representatives from enterprises and communities visit Yuanlong village, Zhang highlights the embroidery skills of the local women and the solar roofs they have. 

One of Zhang’s proudest achievements this year has been helping to showcase and sell the village women’s embroidered crafts to a power supply company in Fuzhou, East China’s Fujian Province. She is very proud that this “green collaboration” has broken through regional limitations, built more bridges for communication between her village and the outside world, and empowered the development of local women.

With the official launch of the “green electricity town” project in Minning town in August 2023, which aims to create a new type of system demonstration area powered entirely by clean energy 24 hours a day, the project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 48,000 tons annually once completed.

Zhang believes that the villagers in Yuanlong will have more opportunities to showcase their talents and felt gratified that she is living in a country that pays more attention to protecting the ecological environment.

At a national conference on ecological and environmental protection held in July 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed efforts to promote the building of a Beautiful China in all respects and accelerate the advancement of modernization featuring harmony between human and nature.

The next five years is a crucial period for building a Beautiful China, which should be placed in a prominent position in building a great modern socialist country in all respects and advancing national rejuvenation, Xi said.

The country should support high-quality development with a high-quality ecological environment and promote the modernization featuring the harmonious co-existence between human and nature, he noted.

Looking up at her rooftop, Zhang eagerly awaits the completion of the “green electricity town.” She hopes it will build a stronger bridge connecting the common people’s dream of a better life with the country’s plans for emission reduction and energy conservation, leading to a more “Beautiful China.”

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202411/1323101.shtml

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-illuminate-roof-of-beautiful-china-solar-powered-rooftops-transform-countryside-environments-boost-rural-revitalization-efforts-302306546.html

SOURCE Global Times

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