Solar power ‘net metering system’ introduced

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

A high-tech electricity producing system driven by solar power has been introduced by the Power and Energy Ministry.

The new method called ‘Net Metering System’ was officially introduced by Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka yesterday.

According to the new method, electricity is produced with a set of solar panels which are more efficient than the conventional solar panels. These panels operate even during low sunlight conditions. The generated electricity is supplied to the National Grid through a high-tech controlling panel.

The new system can be used by industries, hotels or even by housing units. The production is greater than the requirement and the excess electricity is added to the National Grid.

When electricity production is lower than the required level, electricity is supplied by the National Grid of the CEB. Finally the consumer has only to pay for the balance of the usage, Minister Ranawaka added.

This system comes under the ‘Clean Green Energy’ category which does not do any harm to the environment. Therefore interested parties such as factories, hotels, industries or house owners are invited to use this method. At the initial stage the Power and Energy Ministry has planned to introduce this Clean Green Energy producing system to 100,000 users. The necessary guidance will be provided by the CEB, the Minister further said.

B.A. Mahipala, an industrialist who uses this system for the first time in Sri Lanka as an alternative for his electricity requirement said the solar powered electricity producing system is ideal for Sri Lanka as the system receives enough sunlight throughout the day.

Moreover the system is environment friendly. He further said that he is ready to assist anyone who would like to join this system. To install 1 Kilowatt plant around Rs. 400,000 has to be invested. Though nowadays the price of the system is a little bit high it will reduce gradually.