Sri Lanka Solar Industry stepping forward with US & Europe Standard Solar Panels

JLanka is blazing trails being the pioneer solar power solutions provider in Sri Lanka, along with some important partnerships with technology providers. They are the sole-distributor for Trina Solar in the country., a  tier one global giant in PV manufacturing and pioneer in the industry. 

Trina Solar, a company with fully automated and highly sophisticated manufacturing plants in China,  has 16 branches in different Countries like USA, Europe,Singapore, Japan, Australia and have 15,000 employees. The company recently took over the  operations of tier two module manufacturer, NESL Solartech, and expanded capacity to 500MW. Just at the end of 2013, they signed an agreement with the local government authority of Turpan Prefecture to develop 1 GW of ground-mounted solar-power-plant projects in western China, making Trina Solar a big player in the industry.  Company sells their panels almost in every part of the world,including Europe and USA. In 2011, nearly 82% of their Solar panels were sold in Western countries. They are also the world record holder for “Maximum power output” for the past two years. 

Renault Solar Project in France - the world's largest in the automotive industry

Many major companies and institutes use Trina Solar modules in their projects because of the reputation they have for excellent quality products. Renault Solar Project in France has the world's largest system in the automotive industry, with Trina Solar modules in a 400,000 square meters surface, that is equal to 60 soccer pitches. Cadland Estate Solar Farm project done by Anesco in New Forest, Hampshire, UK also used Trina Solar modules in the project. 

Adrian Pike, CEO of Anesco recommended Trina Solar saying, “Trina Solar is one of the best manufacturers of solar panels in the world. Their panel performance is excellent. Trina Solarhas good UK coverage and a strong balance sheet. We look forward to successfully working with them on our substantial solar pipeline.” University of Queensland, Australia has the largest commercial system in Australia. For the project they have used Trina Solar's TSM-PC05 Multicrystalline Modules. 

Same European and US standards Solar Panel available in Sri Lanka

JLanka, pioneers in the industry, always partners with the best global solar companies to give you a better service and experience. Partnering with a company like Trina Solar, a leading Solar  company in US and Europe markets, is the best example. JLanka ensures that all the panels  from Trina Solar, distributed in Sri Lanka are also manufactured according to the same European and US standards, in order to maintain the levels of quality required.

Trina solar company holds many titles from the international community.  In 2013, Fast Company Magazine named Trina Solar “Top 10 Most Innovative Company in China in 2013”. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) named company as “Top 50 Global Challenger in 2013”. Trina Solar also retains the top rank on Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition (SVTC)  Solar scorecard ranking. These are just a few recognitions they received. In addition,  Mark Mandell, Trina Solar President of the Americas, was  also featured on CNBC's Squawk on the street Business show to talk about the company's growth in Asia and USA.

To learn more about Trina Solar and its presence in Sri Lanka, watch the video. 

Power Crisis in Sri Lanka - An Overview

We live in a generation where power has become one of the key necessities in life. Today's  day to day life depends a lot on various power sources. If one day goes by without electricity, many businesses would be hurt, and domestics will experience highly uncomfortable situations. In Sri Lanka, We depend mostly on thermal and hydro power. Hydro Power is a source which depends on a highly volatile external factor, rain. Every time when there is a drought  people worry  about curtailing electricity. The country has gone through a number of power disruptions for several hours affecting people's day to day life.

Power Generation in Sri Lanka

In addition to the number of hydro power plants we have in Sri Lanka, there are five main thermal power plants owned by CEB. These five power stations have a capacity of 750MW, and out of them the Lakvijaya power station has a 285 MW of capacity.  If the power station properly functions, it could provide 20% from the annual demand of the country. There are nine power stations owned by the private sector with a capacity of 710 MW.

However, malfunctioning of these five power plants with the shortage of hydropower generation can create a serious power crisis. In the recent past, raining pattern of the country changed drastically. This was a massive hit on the hydro power generation.  The inevitable result was the electricity system failing to meet the demand. As a side effect, CEB was also compelled to increase the tariff, to limit the power consumption.

Your Social Responsibility

In the process of facing the power crisis, the general public also has a due responsibility in 

saving electricity. Especially during the peak hours, 6.00pm-10 pm, avoiding the use of appliances like washing machines, water pumps, irons and ovens and using them at less peak hours would help the grid immensely. As the refrigerator is the main consumer of electricity in a house, switching it off for few hours would be a great way to save electricity and money without affecting the food.  As Air conditioners consume a huge amount of electricity, their economical use is essential. Limiting the street lamps of municipal councils, and Pradesiya Sabhas from 7.00 p.m. – 5.00 a.m. and restricting the use of electricity to light up advertisements would also be a great help.

Alternative Power Generation Methods

In order to find a solution to this universal problem, many developed countries have shifted from conventional mechanisms to alternative power generation methods while countries like us, still primarily depend on these traditional means like hydro and thermal power. Sri Lanka already has three wind power plants and solar power panels in a small scale. The future world would burn with issues like floods and droughts and the shortage of oil, coal and gas.  If Sri Lanka is not well prepared for this situation, the future of the country would be bleak even if it has many power stations. Looking at the future, a country as wells as individuals we need to take all the possible steps to save the limited amount of power generated and also move towards renewable energy solutions. 

Latest Solar Power Projects and Green Energy Trends in Sri Lanka

Largest privately held solar power plant in Sri Lanka 

Energy, the capacity of a physical system to perform work,  keeps the world moving, by converting from one form to the other. In a world where everything is automated, energy is the life blood that keeps all alive. Fossil fuel being a primary source of energy,  will  run out soon at the rate we use it now.

Thanks to extensive research, activists and industrial influences, people are motivated to look for alternate energy sources, in other words, greener ways to light up their lives. Hydro, solar energy, wind and biomass are just a few of the options we have.

Industries consider green energy

Nowadays, more than the general public, big industries tend to look for alternative energy solutions for their offices and factories. They are not just going with the trend. They do have real advantages like cost savings, customer loyalty, employee retention, risk management, increased brand value and the best of all it is the right thing to do.  Low energy bills, leads to high savings in costs. The savings that can be used in R & D or may be in hiring new employees or retaining current employees with a better salary. With all that comes the customer loyalty and increased brand value. People look at the company’s profile and say “Wow! They voluntarily changed to a green energy source. They do care about the people and the planet.” It also gives a competitive advantage for the company.

Latest Green Energy Trends in Sri Lanka

Industries in Sri Lanka also use many green sources to power their operations. Traditionally, thermal and hydro power has been the two main sources of energy used in Sri Lanka. However, with the geographical placement of the country, solar power is gaining much popularity nowadays. Solar power project in Sri Lanka, which started as a way of giving electricity to rural houses, has now turned out to be a greener way to power major factories.

The best example for this is last year, Dilmah Tea, one of the leading tea companies in Sri Lanka, established the largest privately held solar power plant in Sri Lanka at their Peliyagoda office and production facility.  PROINSO, a global leader in the supply of PV solar products who were supported by their local technical partner JLanka Technologies,Qualified Installers in PROINSO’s International Network, installed the panels at Dilmah. As a part of the solar power project, 417 solar panels has been set up. These Solar panels generate 100 kWp. When the solar panels working at the full capacity, it will generate around 150,000 kWh (Kilo Watt Hours) of solar power every year. After initiation of this project, the plant has saved 8000 kilo-grammes of CO2 emissions. Isn't that great?!

Traditionally, the word Solar power project reminds us a solar panel fixed on a roof, to supply the electricity needed for a house. However, in the world, solar power technology has gone far beyond that level. Many countries in the world like USA, Spain, Germany, and China have their own multi-megawatt solar energy generating systems like solar farms and solar towers. Sri Lanka is also looking forward to a brighter future in solar energy. Companies like JLanka Technologies, a Sri Lankan Solar Company Ranked among theTOP 4% of most viewed on Slidshare in 2013, have the necessary knowledge and technology to implement larger solar projects in Sri Lanka, and after sales service they provide in maintaining and repairing the panels, gives the confidence a customer needs.

Solar power is undoubtedly going to be one of the major energy sources of the future world. After all the sun is the source of energy of the entire planet. Therefore, Why not embrace it now than later?

Related articles :

• Solar Power Project at the Cape Weligama Resort, Sri Lanka. This is the first ever Time-laps video (HD) on solar panel installation in Sri Lanka. 

Green Loan Scheme for Solar Energy Systems with JLanka

Apply for Green Loan schemes now with JLanka Technologies

A solar system is a great yet strategic way of greening up your homes, reducing your energy bills and of course carbon footprint. However, the upfront solar system cost has usually been the issue for most of us. For that, JLanka has just the solution for you!

JLanka Technologies is the most advanced solar power solutions provider in Sri Lanka for home owners like you. JLanka’s experienced staff is supported by one of the world’s leading solar power manufactures, ensuring you are offered with the most advanced solar energy solutions in Sri Lanka today and also for your future generations.

Recently, NDB Bank had approved a "Green Loan" scheme for solar energy system installations in partnership with JLanka Technologies.The bank financially supports the nation with their innovative Solar Green Loan Schemes, encouraging consumers to install solar electricity systems to save money, the environment and sustain an energy efficient future.NDB Bank, after careful consideration had partnered with JLanka to move ahead with giving home owners the best solutions to solve their high electricity/energy bill crisis, with the best solar energy solutions provider—JLanka.

Apply for Personal Loans for Domestic Solar Energy Systems through JLanka to get your hands on the NDB Solar Vantage Green Loan scheme and have installed a solar energy ‘net metering’ system at your home to reduce electricity bills of up to a 100%.

Here’s what to Expect after you’ve Installed a JLanka Solar System through the NDB Solar Vantage Green Loan

• Zero or minimize electricity bills from the first month onwards. 
• Instead of paying never-ending electricity bills, pay it to settle your NDB Solar Vantage Loan only up to the period of your loan (say 5 years. You can go up to 7 years). 
• After 5 years, enjoy free electricity for at least another 20 years or more.
• After you’ve settled your NDB Solar Vantage Green Loan, you are finally free off high electricity bills!

Reduce your Electricity Bill with JLanka – NDB Solar Vantage Green Loan Scheme

For details, call Suki on 077 002 4091 / Jeewaka 077-01234 70

Do your Arithmetic of your Electricity Bill!

Talk sense about electricity costs and prices - by Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya

Eectricity Costs and Prices.
Many articles appear in your paper, quoting among others, the Secretary Ministry of Finance, Chairman and officials of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Pathfinder Foundation and various chambers, about electricity costs and prices.

None of them give any hint as to what the power industry costs and expenses are. Above all, you recently quoted the minister as having said that the government does not want to burden the poor consumers, by raising electricity prices.

None of these individuals and institutions talk about what the costs are, whether they are reasonable, and what the income is. They talk about bringing competition to the industry, efficiency, building renewable energy generators, gas fired power plants, private sector power plants, PPP, etc. Let us do some simple arithmetic.

The Regulator (PUC) Approved a Cost 
The regulator (PUC) approved a cost of Rs. 2.56 for distributing a unit of electricity for 2012. This is the cost of investment and maintenance of the distribution network and the supply of electricity, including metering and billing. Is this reasonable? Yes, it is in the correct range, and comparable with international norms. Can it be brought down? Yes, we should ensure that it decreases by 1% in real terms each year, pushing five distributors to be more efficient each year. Each one of the four CEB distribution divisions (if they care to publish their accounts independently), and Lanka Electricity Company (they do publish the accounts), should be reporting (even marginal) profits from 2011 onwards.

Then the regulator also approved a cost of Rs. 0.73 per unit, for the CEB’s Transmission Division to transmit power from power plants to the distributors. Is this reasonable? Yes, it is well within international norms. Any room for improvement? Yes, by 1% every year, pushing the CEB Transmission Division to be more efficient in managing their expenses, and in the management of the network.

So, now we have learned that to take power from power plants to your doorstep, it costs Rs. 2.56+0.73 = Rs. 3.28 for each unit of electricity. In regulatory jargon, we call it the wires and supply business.

The Total Income by Selling Electricity
The total income by selling electricity collected by both the CEB and LECO in 2012 would be about Rs. 15.50 per unit sold. As the regulator (PUC), did not publish the expected income of the CEB and LECO, we can only make an informed guess. So, here we go with arithmetic. Income = 15.50, distribution = 2.56, transmission = 0.73. So, the production cost to be paid to power plants (both CEB and private), should be = Rs. 15.50 -2.56-0.73 = 12.21 per unit. Adjustment for losses (12%). Now is that reasonable? Yes, we have already exceeded the target given in the national energy policy, but we must now aim at 10%), requires electricity to be produced at 12.21x0.88 = Rs. 10.74 per unit.

So, now we have to look at the production costs. Look at all the power plants and you will see that only the CEB hydropower generators and the coal power plant in Puttalam produce electricity below Rs. 10.74 per unit. The CEB’s own oil burning power plants, too, produce at double that cost.

You like the private sector to generate electricity? Show a single private power plant that produces electricity below Rs. 10.74. There are none. PPP is the buzz word, meaning, private public partnerships. So, tell us how can a PPP produce electricity below Rs. 10.74 per unit?

You like electricity to be produced from small hydro, solar, wind, biomass, dendro, etc, don’t you? Nice, isn’t it? Very environment friendly.

Fine. Then show one power plant of that kind producing electricity below Rs. 10.74 per unit. Alas, there is not even one. Newspapers are full of articles ranging from statements by Minister Sarath Amunugama to the Small Power Developers’ Association, asking for more and more renewable energy power plants, and higher and higher prices to be paid to them. Recently, the regulator (PUC), also increased the prices paid to such renewable energy power plants.

Where is the money to pay them? There isn’t, unless we also agree to a substantial increase in customer prices. Otherwise, the statements by the Treasury, Energy Ministry, Public Utilities Commission, and other ministers, and the Pathfinder Foundation and chambers are nothing but rhetoric, to please various parties, as it suits the situation.

Show how private power, or PPP as they say, can reduce prices!

Show how private renewable energy power plants can reduce prices!
Summary
In summary, generation = 10.74, transmission = 0.76, distribution = Rs. 2.56 per unit. Total = Rs. 15.50 per unit. So, now say how (1) gas fired power plants, (2) oil power plants, (3) private power plants, (4) wind, solar, mini-hydro, biomass, and all other exotic resources, (5) PPP, (6) privatization of CEB, (7) competition, can reduce any one or more of the above cost components.

Do your arithmetic!

Source : The Island

Space-Based Solar Power : 144% more powerful than on earth

A Science Fiction concept brought to reality 

When you first hear the phrase “Space Based Solar Power” images of a James Bond villain, spring to mind, as he plots to take over the world with his evil scheme of “Space Solar Power”. However, harvesting solar power in space and sending it to Earth as a renewable energy source, is a dream that will soon be realized. So, let’s ask the BIG question - How is this possible? How is this almost science fiction sounding technology becoming a reality?

First of all, let’s start with the definition. Space-based solar power or space solar power is a way to collect the solar energy, from our Sun, before this energy hits the Earth’s surface. The energy is literally captured and collected in space. Not only does the location of where the solar energy collection takes place, make it different from how we collect solar power here on Earth, but the satellites which collect the Sun’s rays are dynamic, they are actually orbiting the Earth. Here on Earth, our method of collecting solar energy is with a physically fixed solar panel, that is normally on the roof of our home or office or fixed to the ground.

Now you are thinking: But what are the benefits of collecting solar power in space versus here on Earth? The World Radiation Centre estimates that rays collected in space are 144% more powerful than those collected on earth. Why? The short answer has two parts:

1. Our atmosphere or ozone layer
2. Our rotating planet 

Our ozone layer blocks, or protects, our planet from several forms of radiation. So the radiation received by a satellite in space will have a different radiation profile, a more powerful one, than what we receive here on Earth. Like our planet, the satellites set up in  space, to collect solar rays, will orbit the Earth so they can collect sun 24 hours a day. Locally, our solar panels can only collect sun, at most, 12 hours a day. Half the time a space-based collector can. Us earthlings are also challenged with the weather that will reduce our ability to collect the sun, all those rainy day can be so cumbersome. We are also challenged with the varying strength of sun, even on even the brightest days of the year, the strength of the Sun’s rays’ is reduced near sunset and sunrise. The space ray collectors can collect a more uniform strength of sun. So there is a huge benefit to being able to collect solar power from space, it is stronger and there is the ability to collect more of it each day.

So we can see that we can collect the rays with orbiting satellites outfitted with solar panels and we see the benefits to collecting the rays in space. Now, how do we get the energy collected back down to Earth? Now here is where the James Bond stuff comes into play. The solar energy, collected in space, would be converted into electrical energy that would power a microwave emitter and would in turn beam this energy towards the Earth’s surface where a collector, here on Earth, would receive the energy. So now, you are imagining a beam of light hitting the Earth from space, and you are theoretically correct. 

Now there are a whole set of issues around how the electricity gets put into the grid, paid for and who owns it, and this is a larger discussion that has a huge political background that we can explore in another column. What we are more interested with in this article is: How does this new way of collecting a renewable resource impact the environment?

The National Security Space Office (NSSO) estimates that, in theory, one kilometer of solar collectors can collect a supply of energy ,on an annual basis, “equal to the energy contained in all of the known recoverable conventional oil reserves on Earth today.” 

Wow! But...    

The size of a single solar-power satellite, the one that orbits the Earth collecting solar power, would be 15 times the size of the current international space station. What about the size of the collecting station and where would it be housed? The NSSO suggests the collecting station on Earth would be in a desert. The result of the beam on this eco-system is that it would turn into a lush landscape. This sounds great, don’t we want more lush rain forrest like areas in the world? But changing one eco-system changes them all, especially one as large as Sahara. We are all connected and we really cannot predict the ramifications of such a drastic change.

We then need to factor in the production of these big satellites and receiving stations. Are they made out of recycled materials? How many times do we need to send crews up into space to maintain these solar collectors, what debris do we leave in space to do this? 

With so many factors still up in the air and the pros and cons so vast, this is a technology that will challenge us all as it finds its place in the future. For now, at least you are in the know as to what this new technology could is, enjoy the current hot discussion going on around this topic!

Source : http://www.greenlivingonline.com/

Net Metering in Sri Lanka

All electricity customers in Sri Lanka now have the opportunity to produce electricity using renewable sources of energy. A customer can "sell" that electricity to the grid at any time of the day.

What is "net" metering?

Imagine your electricity meter is replaced with a two-way meter. The meter will have two registers: the "import" register and the "export" register. You can produce electricity (using a renewable source of energy), and first use that electricity for your own requirements, and send the surplus back to the grid. Such "exported" electricity units will be registered in the "export" register of your meter.

During certain times of the day, your own electricity production may not be adequate for your requirements. Then your consumption will be recorded in the "import" register.

When the electricity meter is read once a month, you will pay only for the difference between the "import" and the "export". If in any month you have exported more than what you imported, your bill will only carry the monthly fixed charge (no charge for the units of electricity), and the excess exported units will be credited to your next month’s bill.

No financial transactions

As the term implies, in "net" metering, there is no "payment" by your electricity supplier for what you produce. LECO or CEB only agrees to let you "bank" your surplus electricity with them, and let you take it back whenever you want, at any time in the future. The transaction is "in kind", not in Rupees and cents. You get effectively paid for at the same rate you pay for your electricity, because you avoid purchasing from your electricity supplier.

You must use only a renewable source of energy to produce electricity. Therefore, power plants run on petrol, diesel, kerosene and gas are not allowed, and they would be too expensive any way. Those who have such oil-burning power plants, are free to use them for their own consumption, but cannot apply for "net" metering to "sell" the surplus to the grid.

Bank your surplus energy with LECO and CEB

LECO/CEB will require certain new protection equipment and a new meter to be fixed, for which there will be a one-time cost. After all, electricity distribution wires were designed to supply electricity to you, and not to let you send electricity on the same wires back to the supplier. However, this thinking has changed over time, and LECO (and CEB) are now providing a facility for you to bank your surplus energy with them, and take them back later on. There is no charge by LECO (or CEB) for banking your surplus energy, but would not want to risk the safety of their workmen in case you send the electricity back when their maintenance staff is working on the line.

The equipment you have to purchase and fix will not allow you to send power back on the line, when the supplier has switched-off the lines for maintenance.

Sri Lanka is among the first few developing countries to introduce "net" metering, and that too free of charge, except for the initial charge for a one-time charge for a new meter and protection equipment. Total flexibility is allowed to the customer to choose the type and size of his renewable energy facility, and the customer is free to switch on and off whenever he likes. LECO (and CEB) would always standby to provide your electricity supply, in case your renewable energy facility goes out of order or if you simply give-up using it. There will obviously be a loss of income to LECO and CEB, which they have obviously resolved to put up with, to support the cause of renewable energy development in Sri Lanka.

In 2007, Sri Lanka produced 40% of her electricity requirements of the grid, using renewable energy, which too places the country high on the world ranking. With the new large coal power plants being built to meet the growing demand at a lower cost, this share of renewable energy may drop to 25% within a decade from now. Sri Lanka’s national energy policy released in 2008 has declared that by 2015, the country would endeavor to achieve a 10% contribution to grid electricity from small non-conventional renewable energy sources. By end 2007, the country has achieved 3.5%, and the net metering facility would certainly help to further improve this renewable energy contribution.

An excerpt of an article by Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya, published in The Island