March 2 2010, CAAS Party Secretary Xue Liang and leading scientists from CAAS research institutes received a delegation from the US First Solar Company, exploring possibilities on the use and development of solar energy in agriculture.

Xue noted that recyclable energy, including solar energy has already become an important source of everyday energy consumption for the farmers living in the poor western area of China. CAAS scientist Dr. Yang Qichang also introduced the use of solar energy in protected agriculture in China.

Mr. Michael J. Ahearn, the executive Chairman of First Solar briefly introduced the company and hoped the products and technology owned by the company could help China in its advancement of agriculture and rural areas.