Solar-powered electricity may solve energy crisis
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.