Since 2014, China's photovoltaic poverty alleviation projects (PPAPs) have developed rapidly with the strong support of the Chinese government. Nevertheless, empirical evidence on the contribution of PPAPs in improving the livelihoods of poor rural families is lacking. In order to overcome this knowledge gap, this study adopted a quasi-experimental research method based on a sample dataset of 735 poor families in Chinese rural areas before an. Since 2014, China's photovoltaic poverty alleviation projects (PPAPs) have developed rapidly with the strong support of the Chinese government. Nevertheless, empirical evidence on the contribution of PPAPs in improving the livelihoods of poor rural families is lacking. In order to overcome this knowledge gap, this study adopted a quasi-experimental research method based on a sample dataset of 735 poor families in Chinese rural areas before and after the project. Using five types of livelihood capital values for poor families as poverty proxy indicators, we quantified the net contribution of PPAPs to poverty reduction in rural low-income families through probability distribution comparative analysis, mean comparison analysis, and difference-in-difference regression model. Results demonstrated that the PPAPs were able to precisely target rural families requiring relief and significantly reduced poverty in China, with the net effect on livelihood capital increases for rural families determined as 31.9%. PPAPs have effectively enhanced the economic conditions and social capital of poor families, yet increases in human and natural capital performed poorly. Differences existed in the anti-poverty effect of PPAPs across the three types of solar photovoltaic resource areas. The rural socioeconomic development and access to roads were undoubtedly important factors affecting the livelihoods of rural families.••••We analyzed the role of solar PV to livelihood improvements in rural China.••We quantified the poverty reduction effect of solar PV poverty alleviation.••The poverty alleviation effect of solar PV projects has regional disparities.••The formulation of a long-term development mechanism of PV poverty alleviation.Photovoltaic poverty alleviation projects (PPAPs)Anti-Poverty effectLivelihood capitalProbability distribution comparativeMean comparisonDifference-in-difference (DID)With the increasing consumption of fossil energy and changes in the ecological environment, it is of increasing significance to meeting the energy demands required for industrial and economic development with clean and efficient power generation. In addition to meeting the growing energy demands and reducing carbon emissions, the transition to renewable energy such as solar power can improve the livelihoods of rural families who suffer from both economic and energy poverty. Specifically, a study suggests the improvement of indoor air quality due to the use of solar lighting, and highlights the benefits for children from the increased learning time at night. Cheap clean energy can free people from the heavy labor of collecting firewood and do more meaningful things, thereby reducing the daily chores of the poor. A small photovoltaic(PV) system connected to the grid can generate considerable revenue for low-income, landless farmers by selling surplus electricity [5,6], and also provide employment and education opportunities for rural areas. Therefore, the development of solar PV power generation in rural areas has great potential for simultaneously achieving the two sustainable development goals of developing clean energy and eliminating poverty set by the United Nations.China's photovoltaic poverty alleviation projects (PPAPs) aim to help alleviate. 2.1. Clean energy and poverty alleviationUnder the background of increasing climate change and poverty issues, research linking clean energy and poverty reduction has attracted more and more attention from scholars. For instance, Chirambo points out highlighting rural electrification and linking energy to agricultural development has the potential to reduce poverty, promote gender equality, reduce vulnerability to climate change, and increase economic diversification in sub-Saharan Africa. Mainali et al. explore how to use locally available biomass resources (agricultural residues and cow dung) to update energy and water services in rural Bangladesh. The potential trade-offs of different renewable technology investments in the Pacific between the benefits of risk mitigation and poverty reduction have also been explored. Asumadu-Sarkodie et al. review the national energy statistics of Ghana's energy sector, seeking to improve wellbeing and end poverty. The long-term operation and the sustainability of the community renewable energy power system in rural areas of Central America (including Panama, Nicaragua and Costa Rica) are also important research topics.The supply of modern energy has improved the living conditions and productivity of human beings, and the poor families without access to energy are the main market for renewable energy [22,23]. The Unite.
