Poverty eradication is a priority for governments worldwide. In this study, a process analysis was performed to rigorously examine poverty eradication in China. First, various stages of poverty eradication in China were identified, and the development of poverty eradication was reviewed to demonstrate the achievements and significant contribution to global poverty eradication. Second, using demographic information, the geographical distribution of rural and impoverished populations were analyzed to validate the positive correlation between them. Through the targeting process, significant geographical disparities of impoverished areas in China were clearly revealed, and the impoverished population was further identified. Third, the natural solar energy endowment was thoroughly analyzed to assess the applicability of solar photovoltaics in various areas. Policy development and the anticipated benefits of solar photovoltaic projects for poverty alleviation (PVPPA) were described and evaluated. Finally, China's experiences with PVPPA were discussed. The results indicate that there are some problems associated with the implementation of PVPPA regarding the policy and management schemes, technical support and logistics, and financial resources and assurance. Recommendations to overcome these problems are also discussed. China's PVPPA program introduced here provides valuable insights regarding poverty alleviation, especially regarding the targeting process, participatory development, and profit sharing, and may thus benefit societies worldwide. •To illustrate the course of China's poverty eradication through process analysis.•To analyze the allocation of and the relationship between poor and rural populations.•To review the development of photovoltaic projects for poverty alleviation (PVPPA).•To examine the policy of PVPPA and to evaluate its problems.•To conclude the features of China's PVPPA, targeted, participatory and sharing.