Radiant energy option from Solar Therm

Women in Business by Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

SOLAR POWER: Sun is the source of life on earth. The energy that is in sunlight is often ignored.

The abundant sunrays that flow freely into the atmosphere are used in elevating many lives in the rural areas. Director, Alpha Thermal Systems (Pvt.) Ltd., Sriyani Jayasuriya speaks of the start and the spread of the 'Solar Therm', the market leader in solar water heating systems in Sri Lanka.

"The business started in a very small way. We opened up a factory in the industrial zone in Ekala. My husband initiated this business. As it was difficult for him to handle alone and I assisted him. At present I manage the business. We obtained the exclusive licence to manufacture domestic solar water heating in 1982," she said.

She said that `Solar Therm' holds the pioneering industry status offered by the Government for manufacturing Solar Water Heaters.

"It was initially developed in 1982 by Alpha Engineering services together with the National Engineering Research and Development (NERD) Centre of Sri Lanka. In 1991 this was turned over to its sister company, Alpha Thermal Systems," she explained.

"We import raw materials mostly from Japan to make solar water heaters. The tanks manufactured at Ekala are sold at our head office in Castle Street. The systems are available in a wide range of capacities to suit small families, large households or even industrial application. For industrial or large scale users, we offer custom made systems based on their requirements," Jayasuriya said.

"Creating awareness was the initial problem. There was a huge challenge in marketing the solar water heater at the beginning. High cost was a barrier. It was difficult to make people understand that the high cost can be recovered within two years while saving the money spent on electricity bills. At present people have realised the benefits and there is a good demand," she added.

Jayasuriya also provides solar lighting systems to the rural areas where there is no access to electricity. "Solar lighting systems are installed in the villages in North, East, Uva and Sabaragamuwa districts. We have participated in energy services delivery projects for electrification for rural homes under Renewable Energy for Rural Economic Development (RERED) projects funded by the World Bank," she said.

She provides employment to about 80 workers. "The success was achieved with the contribution of our employees. In 2005 we developed a solar generator that can be used during power cuts. Solar lighting systems were installed in tsunami housing projects in Wadduwa. At present another project of installing 63 street lights is being done in Walahanduwa, Galle," Jayasuriya said.

She has ventured into the international market with the products.

"We export to Maldives at present. We supply solar water heating systems for several hotels. We design separately for them. Our products are environment friendly and there is no pollution. Using solar energy will reduce the environment pollution created by fossil fuels," she said.

The company has won the NCE Export award in the service category and Product Excellence Award from Sri Lanka Institute of Architects in 1996. They have also been awarded the silver award for small category in 1996 and Medium category in 1997 on Provincial and National levels by the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka.

"During these twenty three years I gave priority to my children and home. I lead a balanced life and am involved in social services. Commitment and having a positive attitude has brought success in my business. I hope to expand the business and add more solar-based products.

People are interested.

We do research in other countries and manufacture quality products.

"We hope to reach our customers with a new range of products ensuring considerable savings from the ever-increasing energy bills for water heating purposes," she said.