Solar
energy is a renewable clean source and low recurring
cost. Through-out the past years solar power technology has developed a lot. It
is an easy way to cut down the electricity bill. All of us are facing to the
challenge of climate changes. Renewable energy sources are aimed to give the
contribution to global effort and support to reduce this situation. As a
geographical advantageously which is located near to the equator, where
sunlight remains throughout the year is a great intensity for generation of
solar power technology. Therefore, it has a great natural potential as future
energy source in Sri Lanka. We can generate additional need of power by using
solar power when it is necessary. Sun light is a free resource, it is a
substitute to the foreign exchange spend on fossil fuels
Due to economic growth and
industrial development, Sri Lanka is facing an acute power and energy scarcity.
Over the last two and a half decades our nation managed to bring 100%
electrification. But there is a requirement of diversifying the country’s
energy generation towards more renewable and sustainable sources. Sri Lankan
government’s target is an increase up to 1000 MW by 2025 from solar power
generation projects.
Many countries including
Sri Lanka, blessed with rivers and waterfalls have harnessed their inherent
kinetic energy through hydro-electricity in fulfilling their energy desires.
But the rising demand for electricity and the restricted generation from
potential of existing hydro plants, reduced the relative contribution of hydro
power generation. As a solution to this limitation, Sri Lanka had taken a
policy decision to move towards low cost coal power electricity generation.
Considering all the benefits of the solar power to supply the country’s
electricity requirement from green energy sources, the government had decided
to introduce rooftop solar units during the next ten years as a national
program [1].
The annual total
electricity demand and consumption rate is set to increase much more in next
recent years due to ongoing development projects, increasing rural
connectivity, increase of electrical operated vehicles and the planned railway
electrification projects, etc. The
strategic balance between the electricity demand and supply has to be
maintained with a long-term perspective.
Generally, industrial and commercial consumption is more than the
consumption in the domestic sector. The average power consumption is 540-580
kWh per person yearly [1].
Solar power is rapidly
becoming an alternative energy source across the world due to low cost of
generation as a free and clean natural resource. By continuing the development,
India was able to install their largest solar power plant with 300MW capacity.
Bangladesh was also expanded investments in this area by fulfilling the aim to
power 6 million households with solar power [1]. Sri Lanka is located near to
the equator therefore, it receives an abundant supply solar radiation year
around. It also, shows a continuous solar radiation over the island. 1 kW
rooftop solar panel will produce, averagely 115-125 kWh per month in Sri Lanka.
Other than to roof tops some large-scale solar power plants were built with the
investment of private sector. First commercial scale solar power station was
set up in Hambantota, known as Buruthakanda Solar park. LAUGFS Gas PLC and MAS
Fabrics Matrix also established two power plants at Hambantota and Thulhiriya
respectively. Solar thermal electricity turn-out electrical power by changing
the sun’s energy into hot temperature heat using numerous mirror
configurations. Solar power plant has two parts. They collect solar energy and
converts to heat and then heat energy is converted in to electricity. Solar
cell is made of a semi-conductor material that transforms daylight into
electricity. It works as a result of photovoltaic effect.
Sri
Lanka totally depends on the import of fossil fuels as there are no fossil fuel
deposits within the country. Historically we have to import 46% to 50% [1] of
its total energy which is used annually. Because of that solar power generation
is a huge solution to overcome this issue. The impact of electricity on the
environment could be due to several factors including particular emissions,
gaseous emissions, warm water dischargers in to lakes, rivers or sea. But when
comparing with solar energy systems pollution is far less compared to others.
Although some toxic materials and human harmful products are used during the
manufacturing process of solar photovoltaics. But solar systems have few
disadvantages as harmonics, system frequency fluctuations with sudden clouds,
inverter voltage bandwidth and limitation of distribution transformers.
Solar power is freely offered
from the sun’s radiation. It will not emit greenhouse gasses and does not spoil
water or water resources. Further it does not cause noise pollution. Generating
your own electricity means you will be victimization less from the utility provider.
Then you can save your electricity bill. Also, a path to earn money by selling
the unused electricity back to the national grid. Small scale solar plants and
rooftop solar generation increasing the efficiency by minimizing the
transmission distance. Out of few disadvantages to be considered are the
initial cost of purchasing a solar system, its dependence on the weather
conditions, sunlight to effectively gather solar energy and requirements of a
certain area. Hence looking at all perspective sides along with future
development of our country it is better to begin with baby steps towards
getting solar power to achieve long terms goals with a green environment. Also,
the cooperate and the government can give their immense support to build up a
better energy generation and consumption way. Let us get together to create a
beautiful, greenery and happy tomorrow for the future generation.
P.A.Lakshani Pathirage
Department of Electrical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
University of Moratuwa
References:
No comments:
Post a Comment