Forum (Spotlight Weekly)

'Solar Energy Can Speed Up Modernization Of Rural Society'

- SVEN THOMAS

SVEN THOMAS, sales and marketing manager of Lotus Energy Pvt. Ltd, has†been†working in Nepal to promote alternative energy. Lotus Energy, the†premier solar PV and renewable energy company in Nepal, offers a wide variety of products and services. He spoke to SPOTLIGHT on the benefits of solar energy. Excerpts:

What is the status of solar-energy use in Nepal?

Nepal has a problem of infrastructure in the energy sector. There is a huge†demand for energy, as more than 80 percent of Nepalese households lie†outside the electricity network. Many people are ready to invest in the†alternative sectors like solar energy. We can provide custom-designed alternative energy solutions involving solar and wind power as well as hybrid power backup systems incorporating diesel generators and other energy sources.

Why are people hesitating to use solar power?

Some are hesitant because solar panels and electric wire might attract the†attention of the Maoists and others who do not like such things. Of course, electricity is the basis not only for light but also for communication, which some people do not want. Unless the areas are safe from Maoist activities and are well guarded, people will not install this system. The market is still booming. We can do much more if the Maoist problem could be solved. We also have ever-lasting problems in very remote places like Dolpa and upper Mustang where weather conditions are forbidding and taking the system there by helicopter becomes too expensive.

How competitive is the solar-energy sector?

Most renewable energy systems are competitive. Some countries are very fond of biogas and they all fund such plants. Others are supporting wind. Fortunately, many others are fond of solar power, which is obvious in†this region, where there is a lot of sunshine. The settlement structure of Nepal is not good for big hydropower and biogas projects. Water is not available†everywhere. In many places, you do not have enough to drink. Solar energy seems to be more appropriate because it can be installed at affordable costs, regardless of whether the village has one households or two.

What are the advantages of solar power?

The Lotus Energy Solar Home System is an excellent solution for household electrification in rural areas of a country like Nepal. A typical Solar Home System package consists of a 36 watt Siemens solar module, a 70AH or 94AH solar deep cycle battery, a 8A powerhouse (a compact centralized control unit) or 10A solar charge controller, three high efficiency compact fluorescent lamps and solar tuki, as well as complete set of installation materials with grounding wires. With lots of sunshine available, this system can work wonders.

How frequently do you visit the sites?

We can do a half-yearly visit to collect new order, to check the system and give new recommendations. Rural people know the importance of the system and ways to protect it. There are many funny stories in the village where some people protect their investment by covering the solar panel with hay. It is good to protect things. But when they cover the panel with hay, they come to complain to us that the system does not work. Once we suggest them to remove the hay from the panel, it will once again work perfectly. After the installation of first panel, some awareness and training are required. Of course, you have to give people not just energy but also ideas getting full benefits. So we are concentrating on awareness programs. Telling them to buy a whole solar system does not necessarily make them understand its benefits. They first learn how to run a television set through which they get to know what is happening across the country.

What are the visible changes you have seen after the installation of solar panels?

They have many benefits. If there is proper lighting, children can do homework at night and get the opportunity to learn more about the world. The children in rural areas are not allowed to do homework during the day since they have to go to work in the field. A solar energy system provides the rural population clean energy, which will help the reservation of the forest. We try to give the people many facets about the good parts of solar energy and why their investment is secure. Electricity can bring many changes in villages. Our experience has shown that solar energy can play a very important role in modernizing rural society. Nepal is still an agricultural country but many young people are leaving their villages. If you go outside Kathmandu, you can find a scarcity of workforce in the farming sector. With the help of electric tools, villagers can develop new storage facilities to conserve their products. Energy can change their lives.

What initial investment is needed for solar power?

The entry system, which might be affordable for a family of four, starts from Rs.10, 000 to 15,000 minus subsidy. This is a very basic system for lighting only. Since many families live in one-room dwellings, two bulbs are enough give light for more than two hours. Professional family electricity system should cost around Rs.30, 000. Solar energy is a subsidy-involved sector. The subsidy is granted by the APC and most of the money comes from the Danish government. Lotus Energy is a 100-percent Nepalese company. Few foreigners are on the board. But it is still good to have some international contacts. Beside other SAARC countries, our target market is Nepal. We receive good support from the government but there is always room for more. These days, the government is not giving much money. Some 10,000 to 15,000 systems are installed each year, but I am not satisfied. We need to be faster and the market will respond positively to renewable energy. Unlike coal, nuclear and other energy, solar power can do better. Even for a small biogas plant, a person needs to spend at least two hours a day. Harnessing solar power does need much effort.

How reliable is it?

It is very reliable for more than 90 percent of Nepal. There are some foggy places like in Ilam. If there is a lot of water, then biogas is better. If there is abundance of water and settlements are bigger, it is better to use hydro plants. But mechanical energy has big disadvantages, too. For smaller families and scattered settlements, solar power is reliable and the best. n