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Gadjah Mada
University's Center for Energy Studies (PSE) is offering a
solar-powered electricity system as an alternative power
source to help overcome the energy crisis that is currently
affecting state-owned electricity company PLN. Head of the PSE
Yudi Utomo Imardjoko said that the system would reduce
people's dependence on the power supply from PLN.
"We have to be aware that we ourselves can supply our own
electricity," he told a press conference on Monday. Of the
various alternative energy sources -- biomass, biogas,
geothermal and solar energy -- a study by PSE at the end of
2002 revealed that solar energy was the most feasible source
for Indonesian people. "We can get solar energy everywhere.
What we need is investment," Yudi said.
Using a solar-powered electricity system will require between
Rp 3 million (US$366) to billions of rupiah for the initial
investment, depending on the need. "But in the long run, the
system will be much more economical," he said. A three
kilowatt-hour unit will cost Rp 74 million. The unit will be
able to produce a 24-hour electricity of 1,300 watts. After
seven years of operation, a customer will save around Rp
680,000 per month. "The system also requires almost no
maintenance except for refilling the battery charger every
three months or replacing the battery charger every five
years," Yudi said.
The PSE-made solar-powered electricity installation will last
for 25 years of operation, he promised. Another advantage of
using the PSE-made installation is it can be used concurrently
and continuously with the power supplied by PLN. The
installation will be the main source of power for a house or
office. But when the power needs of a house or office
increase, then the PLN supply will automatically fill in the
additional need. "The Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) allows
such a mechanism to work," Yudi said.
However, he still thinks that the installation cost is too
expensive for households. "We are currently looking for
special bank loans for the project," he said, adding that at
least two banks have shown interest. So far, the PSE has
established more than 2,000 solar-powered electricity
installations in numerous remote areas in the country,
particularly those that have not been reached by the PLN
network. It is also preparing to build a one-megawatt solar
electricity project in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, in
cooperation with PLN.
Source: : The Jakarta Post,
www.thejakartapost.com
4 June 2003 by Sri Wahyuni |
