Solar electrifictaion getting popular

REPUBLICA

KATHMANDU, Dec 12: Solar power, once available only to a few who could afford, has now gained popularity even among common people. People have now realized that though the initial investment is huge, installing solar power hands on long term benefits.

The popularity of solar power for electricity has increased so drastically that every six out of 10 households are installing solar energy system as a way to deal with prolonging load shedding hours.

The drop in price of solar systems in the recent years as also led to its popularity. "There has been a substantial growth in the number of households shifting towards solar energy for electrification," said Suraj Pudasaini, system design engineer at Lasersun Energy Pvt.Ltd. " People are showing positive tendency towards solar energy and it has emerged rather as a necessity amongst household." Introduction of cost effective solar system has attracted many people, especially middle-class customers, towards it, Pudasaini further said.

With the demand growing every day, solar companies are providing customized packages based on the energy requirements of households or offices. These packages range from a system that powers just two bulbs to those with the capacity to operate heavier appliances like water pumps, computers, televisions, etc. It is entirely possible for a customer to have a fully solar-dependent power system, however, most of them are found to be opting for a hybrid system that turns out to be economical. A hybrid system enables users to charge batteries through both solar as well as the main power line, ensuring 24-hour power supply. Some systems can supply power even on gloomy days.

Lighting four bulbs and operating a television set or a computer today form a basic requirement for an individual household. However, a large number of households go just for a four bulb system with no appliances.

"As the load shedding hours prolong, a large number of people are adopting solar system that can light up at least 4 bulbs. This is the cheapest and affordable package for middle class households," says Narendra Poudyal of Ultra Energy Trading.

Installing a system that supports 3 to 4 bulbs costs Rs 10,000 to Rs 21,000. While a 20 watt system that powers three lights costs between Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000.

At Ultra Energy, the cost of installing a 20 watt solar power system that can light four 10 watt bulbs for 3 to 4 hours cost Rs 21,000. "The duration, however, depends on the total usage period," said Poudyal. "A 180 ampere solar power system that can light 8 to 10 bulbs and a television for around three hours costs Rs 120, 000," he further said.

A 20 watt system through which customers can light up to 4 rooms with 10 to 15 watt bulbs is the highly popular package among households. Solar companies are of the view that those wishing to avail long term benefits through solar lighting system should go for branded batteries and panels. Solar panels come with a 25 years warranty at most and to make them work longer they require regular cleaning.

"Batteries on the other hand require a change of distilled water every three to six months," said Poudyal. Most of the solar installing companies provide 10 to 25 years of guarantee for the panels and 5 to 7 years for batteries.