An immediate grassroots solution would be PV-powered desk or pedestal fans with battery storage.
EDINBURGH: In February this year, the previous government scrapped the custom duty on solar panels that it had imposed in the early part of its tenure. As with many other nonsensical measures, it was a step too late. Since 2008, solar PV panel prices have reduced by almost 80 per cent. While the industry saw a boom in the rest of the world, including in our neighbouring countries, it was stifled in our country by a custom duty that made it unfeasible for many to pursue a business in this area. In the budget that was recently presented, there is a subsidy for solar PV-based water pumps but that again limits the opportunity.
Solar PV is a proven technology and has seen the installation of 100GW last year alone. In the last five years, its growth in countries like Spain and Germany is a success story that has not only empowered and enriched the consumers but also provided thousands of jobs to manufacturers and installers. It is interesting to note that both these countries have a less dense incidence of solar radiation compared with Pakistan.
The technology’s exponential growth is attributed to plummeting costs due to economies of scale, improvement in efficiency and a growing awareness regarding green energy. The PV panel prices that were $1.29 per watt in 2008 have now slid to $0.48 per watt. In Pakistan, however, PV prices are more expensive compared with even the UK despite reduced shipment costs from China. The reason for this is the lack of regulation that has led to higher profit margins by rogue distributors.
An immediate grassroots solution would be PV-powered desk or pedestal fans with battery storage. They would run during the day on direct sunlight while run through the night on stored energy (depending upon PV and battery capacity). While systems like these are being sold in Pakistan, their price is substantially above similar equipment sold with higher taxes in Europe. The current government needs to seriously regulate and subsidise the PV industry. This will give it breathing space to sort out the crippled electricity grid network. It will also usher in an era of newer and cleaner technology as opposed to looking at older and dirtier coal-based power for revival of fortunes.
As the mercury hits 45 degrees Celsius and people gasp for breath amidst the scorching heat with no electricity, only the blind cannot see the opportunity that exists. Energy and high amount of it is all around us; it just needs to be tapped.
Dr Haroon Junaidi
Published in The Express Tribune, June 19th, 2013.
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