The solar thermal industry at the world's second-largest economy is poised to grow by as much as 17.6 percent in 2011 to reach 57.6 million square meters, according to an industry expert.

Luo Zhentao, executive director of the China Solar Thermal Industry Federation, said in Xinhua News that overall sales volume this year will climb 28.2 per cent, hitting 94.2 billion yuan (US$14.6 billion). He noted the industry is well placed to contribute 10 per cent of China's renewable energy during the 12th Five-Year Plan period from 2011 through 2015.

China's solar thermal products had been exported to more than 200 countries and regions across the world in the first half of the year, Luo noted.

According to Luo, during China's 11th Five-Year Plan period, 2006-2010, the industry's annual output soared from 15 million square meters to 49 million square meters. Translated values corresponded to a surge from 22 billion yuan to 73.5 billion yuan.