Why should Sri Lanka adopt solar energy?

Adopting solar energy brings several key advantages for the country: Renewable and sustainable - Solar is a renewable energy source that does not produce greenhouse gas emissions. Expanding solar contributes to Sri Lanka's goals of increasing renewable energy to 70-80% of the energy mix by 2030.

Does Sri Lanka have solar power?

Sri Lanka is an island nation blessed with abundant sunshine and solar energy potential. However, solar power currently contributes just 0.4% of the country's electricity mix. With prudent policies and investments, Sri Lanka can tap into its rich solar resources to meet a substantial share of its power needs from a clean, renewable source.

What is the installed solar capacity in Sri Lanka?

Solar power is an emerging energy source in Sri Lanka. According to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the installed solar capacity was around 164 MW as of 2018, contributing 0.4% of total electricity generation. However, solar adoption is rapidly increasing driven by favorable policies.

Will Sri Lanka achieve 1000 MW of solar power by 2030?

As per the Sustainable Energy Authority of Sri Lanka, the installed solar PV capacity increased over 10 times from 12 MW in 2015 to around 164 MW by 2018. Grid-connected rooftop solar accounted for 147 MW while large-scale solar farms contributed 17 MW. The government aims to achieve 1,000 MW of solar capacity by 2030.

Which solar panels are best for Sri Lanka?

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon panels are well-suited for Sri Lanka's climate. Monocrystalline panels made from a single silicon crystal tend to be slightly more efficient in high temperatures. Polycrystalline panels with silicon fragments are cheaper but marginally less efficient.

Why should you invest in solar energy?

Solar expansion can create jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Cost-competitive with conventional energy - Solar tariffs have fallen below $0.10/kWh recently, making solar cost-competitive with coal and oil-fired power. Quick and modular deployment - Solar systems can be installed rapidly and modularly scaled as needed.