Solar-powered electricity may solve energy crisis

Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta

Gadjah Mada University's Center for Energy Studies (PSE) is offering a solar-powered electricity system as an alternative power source to help overcome the energy crisis that is currently affecting state-owned electricity company PLN.

Head of the PSE Yudi Utomo Imardjoko said that the system would reduce people's dependence on the power supply from PLN.

"We have to be aware that we ourselves can supply our own electricity," he told a press conference on Monday.

Of the various alternative energy sources -- biomass, biogas, geothermal and solar energy -- a study by PSE at the end of 2002 revealed that solar energy was the most feasible source for Indonesian people.

"We can get solar energy everywhere. What we need is investment," Yudi said.

Using a solar-powered electricity system will require between Rp 3 million (US$366) to billions of rupiah for the initial investment, depending on the need.

"But in the long run, the system will be much more economical," he said.

A three kilowatt-hour unit will cost Rp 74 million. The unit will be able to produce a 24-hour electricity of 1,300 watts. After seven years of operation, a customer will save around Rp 680,000 per month.

"The system also requires almost no maintenance except for refilling the battery charger every three months or replacing the battery charger every five years," Yudi said.

The PSE-made solar-powered electricity installation will last for 25 years of operation, he promised.

Another advantage of using the PSE-made installation is it can be used concurrently and continuously with the power supplied by PLN.

The installation will be the main source of power for a house or office. But when the power needs of a house or office increase, then the PLN supply will automatically fill in the additional need.

"The Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) allows such a mechanism to work," Yudi said.

However, he still thinks that the installation cost is too expensive for households.

"We are currently looking for special bank loans for the project," he said, adding that at least two banks have shown interest.

So far, the PSE has established more than 2,000 solar-powered electricity installations in numerous remote areas in the country, particularly those that have not been reached by the PLN network.

It is also preparing to build a one-megawatt solar electricity project in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, in cooperation with PLN.