Environment Concerns of Harley-Davidson - The King of the Highway Cruising Bikes!

Emission off-setted Harley Owners Group Tour of Sri Lanka

Harley-Davidson, the king of the highway cruising bikes, is the only company to survive the great depression. Founded in 1903, they are the pioneers in heavy weight motor cycles. All of their bikes has bigger engines, raising the concerns it has on environment. However, they have the utmost aim and objective about the environment to think differently to preserve and renew for long term success. Their manufacturing facilities always aspire to reach zero landfill status.

Manufacturing sites  of Harley Davidson are continually working to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing and other operations, including on-going efforts to reduce waste and increase recycling and reduce water use and energy consumption.   Further, the manufacturing sites establish annual targets for energy consumption and seek year over year improvement.   

Harley-Davidson Sustainability: Preserve and Renew the Freedom to Ride

Everyone should be passionate about future generations of riders by sharing the Harley Davidson experiences that can be enjoyed.  The purpose is clear; that is to fulfil dreams of personal freedom.  Their sustainability vision is simple.;  present generation preserve and renew the freedom to ride.

Waste reduction and recycling plays a unique part in the field of environment. The wastes,  that released from a cement manufacturing company are used as fuel in the kilns and the remaining ash is incorporated in to the cement.  The Power train operations reduced waste and diverted more of that waste from landfill through both new recycle and re-use streams resulting in a waste to land fill decreasing to the percentage of 5.9%.

The power train plant could reduce the amount of trash sent to land fill by 24% through increased recycling.  A new container system that gives clear messaging where common items should go was introduced.  As a result , the amount of recycling increased to nearly 10,000 pounds in 2012, with the average amount of mixed recyclables increasing from around 680 lbs per month at the beginning of the year to an average of 800 lbs per month by the end of the year.  In the same way, approximately four tons of compostable material from the cafeteria is sent to an Urban Farm.  Harley-Davidson Museum’s restaurant began purchasing locally grown produce from the farm.

Usage of water is also another critical factor in relation to the environment.  They reduced the water intake by 1,166,000 gallons.  The water reductions were the result of the full implementation of a new powder coat system.  The new system uses far less water, pulling  water only when needed it versus using a continuous flow of water, which spilled unused water down the drain.  It also uses sensors that automatically take water in as needed and shut off when unused.

Improving Social Impact

Harley Davidson U.S. manufacturing sites establish annual targets for energy consumption and seek year over year improvement.  The completion of a new powder coat line that uses residual heat from baking ovens to warm the water for the power coat washers has increased energy efficiency in the site.  The conversion of the power coat operation from two lies to the new single system has reduced natural gas consumption by 32%.  In addition, it installed a new chilled water system, and the facility has been exclusively repair compressed air leaks throughout the entire plant.

Those sites successfully shed power during the summer to conserve electricity.  HVAC units were shut down on peak demand days which conserved electricity during the summer heat. Power shedding of electricity was 0.5 Mkw for six hours. This was done on six different days and supported demand management efforts of the local utility.  In addition, the plant ovens were shut down during non production times (weekends and holidays).  As a result, they saved natural gas consumption and reduction by 6.5%.

Harley Davidson provided some general tips to the employees and contractors on sites; to maintain vehicles properly, avoid spilling gasoline, refrain from fuelling when pump shuts off automatically , refuel vehicles after dark, conserve energy, not to over cool homes, turn off lights and appliances when not using. 

Source : Harley-Davidson Sustainability Strategy Report 2012

Emission off-setted 2000km Harley Owners Group Tour of Sri Lanka

On Friday, August 08, 2014, the first emission off-setted Sri Lankan tour of the Harley Davidson Owners began. The Carbon Credit Company officials took the odometer reading. These 14 bikers will be able to ride up to 2000 km as emission free.  This historic event was powered by JLanka Technologies, by offsetting the carbon foot print created by the bikers, with the carbon credit three of their customers had saved. 

Corporate Environmental Responsibility – Another Step to Save the Earth

Companies green washing themselves has become the latest trend in the corporate world.  New buildings of Toyota and Bank of America,  Gold-certified  by the US Green Building Council, and Nike aiming to be carbon neutral are some of the few examples of this green washing. Known as the Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER), it is a branch of the popular concept of Corporate Social Responsibility. Instead of aiming to build a better society and doing their part for the society in large, companies mainly concentrates on minimizing the damage to the environment and protecting it.

Components of CER

There are few main components to make a CER policy of a company effective. Including, environmental commitment and awareness, stakeholder engagement, measuring, reporting and auditing, transparency, commitment to continuous improvement and going beyond compliance.  According to most environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGO),  fundamental difference in expected environmental performance for companies of different ownership structures and size is minimal, as the need for corporate environmental responsibility is independent of company structure or size.

Driving forces behind CER

There are several driving forces behind the evolution of CER; consumer activism, shareholder and investor pressure, and competitive advantage are a few. As a result of increased discussions on human rights, Consumers and employees, nowadays, are attracted more towards the companies with a green vision, making it one of the main reasons for them to focus more on their responsibility towards the environment. Unlike in the past, the shareholders now,  request companies on disclosure of  environmental risk, recognizing that environmental risk often translates into financial risk. Investors hesitate to lend money to environmentally doubtful projects, for example, which might bring huge clean-up costs and damage to the reputation.  Corporations are now recognizing the potential competitive advantage to be gained by responding to stakeholder expectations for environmental performance of the company as a whole, or of its products individually.

Blue Sky Award - to Apply New Technologies for Renewable Energy Utilization

Going with this concept of Environment Responsibility, Shenzhen International Technology Promotion Center for Sustainable Development with the help of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Boao Forum for Asia and CRES  awards “Bluesky Award - Evaluation of Global Top Investment Scenarios to Apply New Technologies for Renewable Energy Utilization” to encourage companies to protect the environment. This international contest aims to demonstrate award-winning technology success stories to guide large-scale renewable energy applications in China and other developing countries to mitigate the effects of the supply shortage of conventional energy and greenhouse gas effects on the global climate. Since 2005, four sessions have been held, 38 technologies have been granted the BlueSky Award among numerous competitors from Germany, the United States, Canada, Russia, Belarus, Japan, Australia, Brazil, India, the Philippines and China.

Trina Solar wins the award

Trina Solar, one of the principal companies affiliated to JLanka Technologies and a global leader in photovoltaic ("PV") modules, solutions, and services, received the Blue Sky Award 2014 for Global Top Investment Scenarios to Apply New Technologies for Renewable Energy Utilization for its high efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells and Honey Ultra modules, proving once again to the world that they are the true pioneers in the industry. Utilizing its own crystalline silicon solar cells, Trina Solar's Honey Ultra high efficiency crystalline silicon solar module has set three world records in the last four years.

Earth Day 2014 - Green cities for a healthier future...

Every year, April 22 we celebrate Earth day, a day aimed to inspire awareness of and appreciation for earth's environment. In 2014, the theme of the day is Green cities; type of cities that has the cleanest and most efficient energy, transportation and building structure possible.  Already there are several cities in the world, which satisfies the requirements of a green city.

Difference between a normal city and green city

One of the main difference between a normal city and green city is, usually a green city is powered by renewable energy sources like Solar, hydroelectric power and geothermal energy. Eco-friendly cities utilize these energy sources to be more sustainable and efficient and reliable micro grids are used to distribute the energy. Solar energy is probably the easiest energy to obtain and it can be used in both smaller and larger functions of daily life. Cities like Chicago, Vancouver and Philadelphia have solar powered trash compactors along side of the road.

A green city is connected by clean and accessible public transportation networks and is

biking- and walking-friendly. Sustainable cities have better and easier public transportation from subways to metros; Los Angeles has lanes specifically for their buses and Portland, Oregon utilized its city’s layout to make light rails and Metro, use an easier and more efficient option as opposed to automobiles.  Biking is given priority in these cities opposed to vehicular transportation. Biking in high density urban areas can be a challenge if there are no viable options other than riding in the street, which often angers drivers and is a safety risk.

Globally, buildings are responsible for one-third of greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings typically do not rely on renewable energy sources for their power and most buildings don’t use energy efficiently. However, buildings in a green city are energy efficient, conserve water and reduce waste.

Cities like Portland, Copenhagen, Vancouver, Melbourne and Barcelona are some of the green cities in the world. These cities are healthier, more affordable, and more pleasant places to live.

Taking Sri Lanka towards the ultimate green status

JLanka Technologies is a company committed to taking Sri Lanka towards the ultimate green status. They provide solar energy solutions to residencies and commercial buildings, to be able to live a sustainable life and at the same time save the Earth. Using the latest technology and global expertise, JLanka leads the way to achieve the green targets in Sri Lanka. The company have also received global recognition for their service through awards like Green Leadership Award of AsiaResponsible Entrepreneurship Awards 2014 — South Asia, and World Water Day — Excellence Service Award 2014 from SUNFO.

In the future we will also have living buildings, buildings which will operate as living organisms, monitoring performance and adapting to our needs in real time, saving us energy and money, Self-driving electric cars with no exhaust pipes, no carbon dioxide emissions, no gas stations, and no car accidents , high speed long distance travel,  through solar-powered pods that travel through elevated, depressurized tubes and energy independent homes, adorned with solar panels, small-scale wind turbines and other sources of electrical generation. Then we won't  feel like we are living on the Earth anymore. It will be a much more healthier and nicer place to live! 

Sri Lankan Solar Industry Recognized with the Green Leadership Award

Honour Deserving Enterprises in the Field of Corporate Responsibility

Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards (AREA) is to honour deserving enterprises in the field of corporate responsibility. AREA honours Asian enterprises for outstanding, innovative products, services and projects in six categories. These projects should demonstrate the enterprise’s leadership, sincerity and on-going commitment in incorporating ethical values, compliance with legal requirements, respect for individuals, involvement in communities and protection of the environment into the way they do business.

Mission Towards a Greener Sri Lanka

The JLanka technologies team celebrates its latest achievement Green Leadership Award of Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards 2014 — South Asia. JLanka was declared as the best solar energy provider of the year in south Asia for its premiership in Solar Power technology over 250 successful projects& generating above 1MW green electricity to national grids. The critical success factor for all these achievements is focusing precisely and being fully responsible on complete lifetime of every project we deliver to the customers. Not only winning the project but also taking the international technology throughout the whole project efficiently is JLanka’s promise to its each customer.

In a relatively short span of time, JLanka Technologies has been able to install world class solar

energy systems totalling Mega Watts of solar electricity which cuts more than 425,000kg emissions, and saved up to more than 1,500 trees among an array of benefits to the environment and its people.

“Our project rightly titled “Towards a Greener Sri Lanka” is driven by the pillars of our company’s vision which is to provide world class cost effective green energy solutions for homes and businesses for their own growth while preserving and protecting the environment.

While our main objective of cutting carbon emissions in Sri Lanka, we at JLanka Technologies truly believe that green energy is the only way to a sustainable future, not only as a viable option as a source of energy, but also as an important means of protecting the environment of our country and her amazing biodiversity for the future generations.

Zero Water Wastage in Solar Energy attracts the World Water Day Award!

SUNFO – Sri Lanka United Nations Friendship organization is a people's organization consisting of many renowned personalities in Sri Lanka & Overseas. It is an organization committed to the development of Children, Youth, Women, adults, & Senior Citizens. For 2014, the organization has chosen the theme “Water and Energy” and emphasizes how water and energy are closely interlinked and interdependent. 

Water and Energy

Did you know that water is used in the process of generating fuel energy? Water is used mainly to pump crude oil and for cooling purposes. On the other hand, water is also immensely polluted by the use of crude oil, in ways such as, oil spills, and factory wastage. According to recent statistics, energy sources like coal, nuclear and natural gas uses up to 1100 gallons per MWh. But, on the other hand, solar energy does not use any water at all to generate energy. 

The organization also points out that 8% of energy generated globally, are used for pumping, treating and transporting water to consumers. The costs involved in this process make it difficult for poorer people to gain access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation. Therefore, this year United Nation aims to find the best practice in the green industry to help bring the dream of, making available clean water to everyone, a reality. In short, going green has a lot of benefits, the latest and the much less noticed benefit is saving water and making it feasible to provide clean water to less fortunate; a target United Nations is trying to achieve. Companies like JLanka can help immensely to achieve that target. 


JLanka wins the water day award for preserving water

JLanka, a pioneer solar company in Sri Lanka, received World Water Day  - Excellence Service Award 2014 from SUNFO – Sri Lanka United Nations Friendship organization, for the excellent service they do to create a greener world. Additionally, earlier this year they were also awarded with a Green Leadership Award of Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards 2014 — South Asia. JLanka was declared as the best solar energy provider of the year in south Asia for its premiership in Solar Power technology over 300 successful projects & generating above 1.6 MW green electricity to national grid, to date.  

Why A Psychology of "Green Leadership” is a need for companies

It is an era where everything is looking to be more efficient, greener and sustainable. In an environment like that, a company with a Green Leadership can move mountains. People have too many choices, employees always seek better working environments, and customers are on the lookout for better prices. Improving leadership skills has become a  necessity for career development in current work environment. In addition, global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, over-consumption, obesity, poverty, population growth and geopolitical changes, are in the rise and converging in ways result in increased economic and political tensions around the world. 


A green leadership trend emerging in the business sector seems to be the ultimate solution. It

 suppose to provide global perspective and focus on providing solutions for real needs in society. There are six major trends that can support companies that want to become global green; heroes, connectivity, crowd development, transparency, dematerialization, and a  better life. 




Heroes

This is the most popular green trend of the century. This era of heroes focus on companies that can help us live a sustainable life. The new green companies will use sustainability to drive increased revenues and innovation, they will also attract a new generation top students around the world that want to help create a better society. The CEO and the board are responsible for green strategies. 


Connectivity

The society is getting more and more connected and the world is getting smaller. The companies with a green perspective have more opportunities to gather required information. 


Crowd Development

Crowd development is the latest trend that changes  how  businesses are operated and trigger solutions to change the world. These digital tools allow people to work on the same documents regardless of time zones and office hours. All of a sudden national borders, age and titles matters less than the concrete contributions to a project.


Transparency

Over the past couple of years, the world became much more transparent than it was few years ago. Data that was hidden from public for many years, suddenly became available in the open. In the 21st century people will not buy a product based on the price alone. Sustainable marketing will make people aware of the fact that they can help create a better society by choosing products from 21st century green companies. With the help of smart phones people will also have an opportunity to brag about their purchases, giving companies a golden possibility of expanding their customer base. 

JLanka wins AREA Green Leadership Award 2014

Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards (AREA) honor deserving enterprises in the field of corporate responsibility.   Projects that demonstrate the enterprise’s leadership, sincerity and on-going commitment in incorporating ethical values, compliance with legal requirements, respect for individuals, involvement in communities and protection of the environment into the way they do business are being honored. JLanka project titled “Towards a Greener Sri Lanka” won this award and have placed their name in the list of winners among the world leaders like HSBC, Loreal, LG, Holcim and Carlsberg. 

Renewable Energy Potential in Sri Lanka - Part 2

Government Renewable Energy Policies and Targets Government policies play a major role in the sustainability and development of renewable energy sources in a country. Sri Lankan government also has a set of policies that determines the future of renewable energy sources.   The main target that the government is hoping to reach is providing electricity 100% throughout the country by 2015. However, the growing electricity demand could be met only by adding adequate generation capacities, employing the most appropriate technologies in the most economical manner. Despite the efforts, the present energy resources in Sri Lanka fail to meet these criteria and therefore, the need for several resources or an energy mix arises.  National Energy Management Plan (EnMAP) Sustainable Energy Authority of Sri Lanka (SLSEA) is in the process of implementing a National Energy Management Plan (EnMAP) from 2012-2016 under the guidance of Ministry of Power and Energy. This project sees the target of achieving an energy saving equivalent to 20% of the total energy consumption of year 2010, by 2020. The overall objective of the EnMAP is to enhance the economic activity of the country without forcing an additional burden on the energy sector.  As a part of the program, the SLSEA has launched a program in collaboration with Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI),  called Energy Labeling. It is an internationally accepted method to ensure that the  electrical appliances used, are energy efficient. Home appliances and office equipment account for 25% of electricity use in Sri Lanka.   Code of Practice for Energy Efficient Buildings SLSEA has also introduced a Code of practice for energy efficient buildings. This Code is applicable to all commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and large-scale housing developments. To be in this category the building should have one or more of the features; Four or more stories, Floor area of 500 m2 or more, Electrical power demand of 100 kVA or more and Air-conditioning cooling capacity of 350 kW (output) or more. The code has been developed to cover building ventilation & air-conditioning, lighting, electrical power, distribution, and service water heating.  Accelerate the Development of Renewable Energy Generation In 2004, 47.3% of the primary energy contributions to national energy supply were from biomass, 45.3% from crude oil and petroleum products and 7.4% from hydroelectricity. The use of non-conventional energy resources in Sri Lanka is of a relatively smaller scale and therefore its contribution is presently of low significance in the macro energy picture The Government has also recognized the need to elevate biomass as both a commercial crop as well as the third fuel option for electricity generation and has accordingly declared Gliricedia sepium as the fourth plantation crop after tea, rubber and coconut in 2005. Bio fuels as an important constituent of the transport energy will be developed to take a 20 % share by 2020.   As a part of the commitment of the Government to accelerate the development of renewable energy generation as well as to integrate the use of non-conventional renewable energy within the power sector, GOSL approved the joint World Bank and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) assisted Renewable Energy for Rural Economic Development (RERED) project. Through the RERED project, GOSL aims to foster the rural economic development and improve the quality of life in rural areas by providing access to electricity, and expand the financial support for the mini hydro power projects with low cost funding.

Renewable Energy Potential in Sri Lanka - Part 1

Sri Lanka is one of the few countries blessed with mother nature's kindness.  Beauty to resources, the country has almost everything. It is known as the pearl of the Indian ocean for a very good reason.  Surrounded by the scenic ocean, the placement of the country gives the land the best climate and abundance of natural resources. 

We know we have resources, but we are not using those enough, are we? Are there ways to utilize the resources more? Undoubtedly, although we have the potential, we have not reached the maximum for sure. If so, we would not expect power outages as soon as a drought hits the country. We depend mostly on rainfall to supply our electricity, yet we clear the forest cover we have. Given the circumstances, it is the perfect time to look for the potential Sri Lanka has for renewable energy sources. 

Main sources of renewable energy

Since Sri Lanka is located in the equatorial belt, it receives a year round supply of solar
radiation. The tropical temperatures and the location of the island in the ocean have resulted in distinct wind circulations. These settings have blessed the country with ample base of renewable energy resources. Some of these energy sources are already in use, like hydropower, solar, and wind. However, except for hydropower, solar and the wind has not been utilized to its maximum potential. 

Wind Power

Wind climate of Sri Lanka is primarily determined by the two Asian Monsoons, the South West (SW) and North East (NE) Monsoons.  The SW is the stronger of the two Monsoons and is felt along the entire West Coast of Sri Lanka as well as in interior areas and some mountainous regions. While winds over mountainous regions are highly site specific, turbulent and confined to the SW monsoon, winds over flat landscapes in the south-eastern and north-western coastal belt are more consistent and occur during both monsoons.

Several Wind studies were carried out by the CEB and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of USA. According to the studies, the potential for wind power in Sri Lanka is 20,740 MW's. 

Generating power through wind turbines is indeed a very feasible project to be initiated in Sri Lanka.  Although we have few wind turbines running in Hambantota and Puttalam, it is still in the primitive stage to be known as a primary source of renewable energy. One of the main reasons for being that a less popular choice is the high initial cost. It would be a good investment for the country if the government could work with the private sector to initialize a project. 

Solar Power

We receive an abundant supply of solar radiation year around. Solar radiation over the island
does not show a marked seasonal variation. As estimated in the solar resource map developed by NREL of the USA, over most parts of the flat dry zone, which accounts for two-thirds of the land area, solar radiation varies from 4.0 – 4.5 kWh/m2/day. Solar radiation levels remain as low as 2.0 – 3.5 kWh/m2/day over the high plains of Nuwara Eliya due to the significant cloud cover over most parts of the day. Thus, a substantial potential exists in the dry zone of Sri Lanka for harnessing solar energy.

Bio Mass 

Biomass is the most common source of energy supply in the country, with the majority usage coming from the domestic sector for cooking purposes. Paddy being one of the main agricultural crop in Sri lanka. Residue of paddy is more than substantial to give bio mass energy a serious thought.  Sri Lanka also has the potential of generating Bio mass energy though the plant  Gliricedia sepium. In 2005, the government declared the plant as the fourth plantation crop after tea, rubber and coconut. The target is to develop bio-fuels to take 20% share in the energy generation by 2020.

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