Johannesburg - Chinese solar power producers are trying to attract more clients in Africa, where nearly two-thirds of the population lives off the electric grid.

Organizers of the African Energy Indaba said Thursday that 60 of 80 stands at the conference were Chinese vendors.

By contrast, Germany, the leader in solar energy in the West, sent only representatives from its chamber of commerce.

Abubakar Sambo, the World Energy Council's vice president for Africa, says the continent is well-endowed with resources for clean power -- abundant sunshine, wind and water.

Chinese vendors at the conference said they want to help expand those opportunities but had one goal: "We're in this to make money," says exhibitor Sunny Wu.

Businessweek.com (The Associated Press)