20,000 megawatts

Amount of solar power the Chinese government hopes to generate by 2020, according to "China Racing Ahead of U.S in the Drive to Go Solar," in yesterday's New York Times. The story adds that China today produces more than 25 percent of the solar modules made worldwide.

Chinese companies are aiming to become the dominant player in solar power and are backed by generous government support, according to the Times. The biggest manufacturer, Suntech Power Holdings, sells solar panels in the United States for less than the cost of materials, assembly, and shipping.

While this country is lagging behind China on the solar front, wind power is starting to grow in the U.S., as we reported last week in "By the Numbers: In the Quest for Renewable Energy, One Answer Is Blowin' in the Wind."—Kimberly Janeway | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Look for our coverage of renewable and alternative energy, including reports on solar water heaters and pellet stoves, in the October 2009 issue of Consumer Reports, online and on newsstands next week.