THIS is apropos the letter by Air Cdre (Rtd) Azfar A. Khan about the proposed production of solar photovoltaic cells and panels locally (July 31). However, at this stage it would be better not to invent the wheel once again, since the wheel is already invented.
For producing quality solar panels, quality cells, imported robotic machinery, premium materials, good craftsmanship and independent quality control institutions and a large consumer base are a prerequisite.
According to industry standards, their performance is guaranteed for 25 years at a minimum efficiency of 80 per cent, with zero tolerances. The price of a certified IEC compliant photovoltaic solar panel made to international standards has fallen by as much as 60 per cent since its peak in 2008.
Lower start-up costs are important for a developing country like Pakistan. Concerns about global warming and pollution are driving the interest in this safe renewable energy technology worldwide.
At the current international FOB price of one dollar and fifty cents per watt from the previous price of $5 per watt, the solar photovoltaic technology has now finally come of age and has now attained grid parity.
Like all other developing economies of South Asia, Pakistan also needs sustainable renewable energy because its commercial energy needs are rapidly increasing, especially in cities, while most of the remote villages in rural areas are still not covered by the grid.
Therefore, the poor, specially women and children, are forced to use fuels like kerosene and biomass that pollute and cause respiratory illnesses. Ending energy poverty is about more than helping people see at night; it’s about economic opportunities, safer and healthier communities, better educational opportunities and connection to the rest of the world, besides creating more jobs in the sale, installations and repairs of this new technology.
Solar power is the best alternative because it does not require any prior infrastructure or use of existing resources. It’s safe for night operation and can generate power for other uses, such as charging cellphones or powering medical equipment, refrigeration of vaccines in remote areas, powering computers, wi-fi hot spots, thus opening doors of telecommunications worldwide.
All countries in South Asia are promoting the use of solar technology by tax incentives, liberal imports, user-friendly policies, availability of bank financing and even microfinancing for solar home systems in rural areas.
Unfortunately we have already lost the opportunity to earn carbon credits from the emission reduction projects under the carbon development mechanism (CDM) as the first round of Kyota Protocol is due to expire at the end of the current year. As posted on the website of the Alternate (sic) Energy Development Board.
The ministry of water and power has at last finally exempted PV modules, inverters, charge controllers and batteries as eligible for exemption from all taxes/duties irrespective of the fact that they are imported together or separately.
Now it is for our business class to provide leadership to our youth in the development of this technology which can instantly light up the lives of all segments of our society, both in rural and urban areas.
Sunlight is always free, and the energy generated from this source is a gift of nature. All we need is a strategic policy for the promotion of solar technology. At this moment and time it is possible to buy a small 20 watt solar panel complete with energy home system consisting of two LED bulbs, charge controller and seven ampere-hour battery acid/gell capable of providing lighting, charging a cellphone and powering a transistor radio for just $50, which is just enough to satisfy the needs of a large segment of our population as their prime source of power.
MIRZA ALI AKHTAR Toronto
Alternatives AS a student of science, I along with my colleagues was given an assignment to research about the alternative sources of energy in Pakistan.
After surveying various industries, mills, and studying about the research of different countries, we got astonishing results.
Pakistan can produce 3000 to 4000 MW from the waste remains of sugarcane, wheat, and rice. And we can produce 500 to 1000 MW from the manure of domestic animals. It means it produces much energy to at least wind up the shortfall of 5000 MW.
Even our neighbouring countries India and Bangladesh are working on it in their agricultural areas. Pakistan is an agrarian country and both these sources are available in an ample amount. While researching, we have to keep in mind that alternative sources should not be costly and raw materials should be available in huge amounts. Fortunately, both sources fulfil the criteria.
We can produce electricity also from domestic waste or garbage through solid waste management.
Other renewable sources such as solar, nuclear and wind are not feasible for our country because they are costly. Besides, they do not yield much energy in a short span of time to meet the present demand of the country.
Pakistan is blessed with uncountable resources. There is only the need for good strategy and industrious efforts to make our country prosperous.
DR NAVEED AHMED Hyderabad
Challenges TODAY we are facing enormous challenges due to shortage of energy.
Power shortage is harmful to the country’s economy and it is decreasing GDP growth.
The funds spent on import of power generators and their fuel is an enormous drain on the economy. China has installed 460 solar-powered charging stations EVs (cars, motorcycles, and bicycles). Moreover, the Philippines has introduced 20,000 electric rickshaws. Renewable energy can help Pakistan fight poverty, generate millions of jobs, end privatisation of national sliver, bringing more than $100billion annually in foreign investments.
Renewable energy can give jobs to millions of unemployed skilled workers in Pakistan. Solar energy is the best way to create new avenue for the development in energy sector. Therefore, we need a solution to take care of the country’s power requirements for the next 20 years.
The solar sector is the fastest growing clean energy industry in the world. Pakistan can solve its energy crisis and join the modern world, provided our leaders are willing to adopt effective laws, transparent policies, get rid of corrupt practices, and promote solar energy.
ALI RAZA MAHESAR Islamabad