Short/long-term solutions to overcome power cuts
All electricity consumers are currently affected due to power cuts, one way or another. Everyone is looking for solutions and they are frustrated, trying to find the ideal solution which is reliable and fits their budget.
The truth of the matter is that there is no simple solution for a complex problem such as the current power crisis in Sri Lanka. Let us explore the options available:
1. Diesel/Petrol Generators
Costly option which is harmful to the environment and creates pollution. Extremely risky option due to the current fuel scarcity in the country. Not suitable for high rise buildings or offices/shops with limited space. The investment is a liability and will not serve the purpose if and when the current power crisis is resolved. The average cost of a 5KW system may be Rs.500,000-750,000
2. Hybrid Inverters with
Li-ion Batteries*
Better option than a generator and if deployed with sufficient solar panels, this is a good solution, using Renewable Energy (RE). With a Net-Accounting agreements, the consumers will enjoy free energy from the sun, with back-up facility during power failures. In fact, this is the best option available today, if the consumers are able to afford or purchase the solution with a bank loan or leasing arrangement. CEB/LECO approval is necessary for the installation. Existing solar users will have to replace the existing on-grid inverter with a hybrid inverter. Average cost of a 5KW system (with PV panels) cost approximately Rs.2-2.5 million.
3. Off-Grid Inverters with Li-ion Batteries*
Affordable option than a Hybrid inverter as the total cost of ownership of the Inverter will be almost 50 per cent in comparison. No approvals are needed from the CEB/LECO and the solution can be installed almost immediately. Average cost of a 5KW system (with PV panels) is approximately Rs.1-1.5 million.
(*) Options 2 & 3 are Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and theoretically, they can be deployed with Lead-Acid batteries, which is cost effective when compared with Li-ion. However, Lead-Acid batteries need 7-12 hours for a complete charge cycle and strong solar energy (capable of charging batteries) is available from 11-14.00, which is 4 hours. Therefore, Lead-Acid batteries are not a viable option for Energy Storage Systems (ESS).
As shown above, there is no short term and cost-effective solution for the power-cuts as the minimum investment for a viable option will be over Rs.1 million, which most consumers may not be able to afford. Therefore, it may be necessary that consumers seek financial assistance from a bank, either a loan or a leasing facility, to acquire a sustainable solution. The most sensible option will be to deploy a Solar Self-Consumption system that pays for itself from the generated solar energy. For existing solar system owners, it could also generate an income, after the capital cost is recovered, probably in 5-7 years. This is a sustainable and long-term investment, which will pave the way for consumers to be self-sufficient in energy, making use of free energy from the sun.
Back-up facility is an in-built feature of any ESS. Therefore, the consumers will not have to undergo any power failures as well as affected by increased energy cost, after they deploy the right energy ESS with Solar Self-consumption.
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