"The cost of the technology was reduced dramatically in the past ten years, and that makes it possible for us to benefit more people with a sustainable and clean solution," Zhengrong Shi, the founder and chairman of Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd, a leading solar energy company told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"Twenty years ago, commercial use of solar power was no more than a dream, but nowadays it is a feasible solution," Shi said.

By reviewing his solar journey, Shi said: "I spent 14 years studying and working in Australia, since Australia has very advanced technology. Ten years ago, I went back to China, because I hope to use my knowledge and experience to make a new market in China. It proved that we succeeded in achieving that."

Shi noted, Australia has great technology, China has great capacity of commercializing technology and China has a great market for the product. "So if China and Australia can work together, that would lead to a win-win situation," he said.

According to Shi, Suntech last year already became the largest solar panel manufacturer in the world. Shi said: "we will increase production and market share next year. We continue to develop our tech and supply chain and expand our manufacturing skill, in five years to reach the great parity which means the electricity of solar is comparable to the electric bill you paid as an average household. I believe we can achieve that."

When asked about decreased stock value of the company in the financial crisis, Shi noted: "The stock market is volatile, even now the stock price is not that great either." He said, share price does not necessarily have a direct linkage with the development of the company, since share price is often influenced by industrial situation, macro economic situation and company's performance.

He said: "we have a very long-term orientation in the development goal, our brand name, and industrial tech leadership. We feel very confident doing better in the future."

Shi told Xinhua, although Suntech has taken 30 percent of Australian market share and turned out to be the biggest player in Australia, "to make solar a sustainable solution for humankind still requires lots of work and promotion."

"I believe I will fulfill my dream," he said.

A famous wharf in Sydney was "greened" with the donation of solar panels from Suntech on Friday. In the launch ceremony, Shi said: "This project demonstrates that anyone today can look up and harness nature's original source of energy and life."

(Xinhua News Agency November 29, 2010)