Solar Powered Uninterruptible Power Supply

Final Year Project Report 2009 BS (TE-05)

Supervisor Mr. RazaRaheem Submitted By Muhammad AdeelRaza AmariaMunawar Muhammad SaadIstafa Usman Ahmed (i050005) (i050007) (i050147) (i050363)

Department of Telecommunication Engineering

National University of Computer and Emerging 1 Sciences Islamabad Campus

Table of Contents
Developers Submission...iError! Bookmark not defined. Developers Declaration..Error! Bookmark not defined.v Acknowledgements........Error! Bookmark not defined.Abstract.....Erro r! Bookmark not defined.i Executive Summary.....Error! Bookmark not defined. Table of Contents.....viii Table of Figures....ix Chapter 1 .................................................................................................................................. 10 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 10 1.1 Energy Crisis.................................................................................................................. 10 1.2 Current Scenario of Pakistan.......................................................................................... 13 1.3 Energy Resources in Pakistan ........................................................................................ 15 1.3.1 Reason behind the Crisis ......................................................................................... 21 1.3.2 Solutions for Energy Crisis in Pakistan .................................................................. 22 1.4 Solar Energy Potential in Pakistan ..................................................................................... 23 Chapter 2 .................................................................................................................................. 27 2 Our sun .................................................................................................................................. 27 2.1 Solar energy facts ............................................................................................................... 28 2.1.1 Solar radiation and energy flows on earth................................................................... 29 2.1.2 Spectral distribution of solar radiation ........................................................................ 31 2.1.3 Distribution of solar power around the world ............................................................. 32 2.2 Economic and environmental considerations..................................................................... 33 2.3 How to convert this huge amount of energy into electricity? ............................................ 40 2.4 Difference between solar thermal collector and photovoltaic cell ..................................... 41 2.5 Working of photovoltaic cell ............................................................................................. 41 2.6 Types of solar pv panels .................................................................................................... 42 2.7 Choosing a pv system ........................................................................................................ 43 2.7.1 Do not think about pv without considering energy efficiency. ................................... 43 2.7.2 Stand alone systems .................................................................................................... 44 2.7.3 How to choose a photovoltaic (p.v.) system ............................................................... 45 2.7.4 What will it do? ........................................................................................................... 45 2.7.5 Solar modules.............................................................................................................. 46 2.7.6 Inverters ...................................................................................................................... 46 2.7.7 Inverter choice consideration ...................................................................................... 46 2.7.8 Module mounting ........................................................................................................ 47 2.7.9 Batteries ...................................................................................................................... 47 2.7.10 Other components ..................................................................................................... 47 2.7.11 System information ................................................................................................... 48 2.8 PV Cells in Telecommunication Sector ............................................................................. 49 2.8.1 Why is Solar the perfect choice for powering Telecom Solutions? ............................ 51 Chapter 3 .................................................................................................................................. 53 2

3 Idea behind SoPUPS ............................................................................................................. 53 3.1 Product ............................................................................................................................... 53 3.2 System Design ................................................................................................................... 53 3.3 Other Components ............................................................................................................. 54 3.4 UPS Designing ................................................................................................................... 54 3.4.1 Salient Features of UPS: ............................................................................................. 55 3.5 Why SoPUPS? ................................................................................................................... 55 3.6 Solar Cells Working ........................................................................................................... 56 3.7 SoPUPS Working............................................................................................................... 58 3.8 Minimum Dependency....................................................................................................... 59 3.9 Surveys Conducted ............................................................................................................ 59 3.9.1 Visit to Mobilink Franchise .................................................................................... 60 3.9.2 Meeting with the representative of Advance Technologies .................................... 60 3.9.3 Visit to Atomic Engineer in Rawat ......................................................................... 60 3.9.4 Visit to Shaheen Solar and Sacho Electronics in Lahore ........................................ 60 3.10 Project Budget.................................................................................................................. 61 3.11 New Budget ..................................................................................................................... 61 3.12 Plan .................................................................................................................................. 61 3.13 Solar Panel Estimated Costs given by different Providers............................................... 62 3.13.1 Advance Technologies .......................................................................................... 62 3.13.2 Sacho Electronics .................................................................................................. 62 3.13.3 Al-Fahad UPS Karachi.......................................................................................... 63 3.14 Advantages of SoPUPS.................................................................................................... 63 3.15 Features of SoPUPS ......................................................................................................... 64 3.16 Applications ..................................................................................................................... 64 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 65 References ................................................................................................................................ 66

Table of Figures
figure 1 energy generation by source 2004-2005 __________________________________ 17 figure 2 energy capacity by source 2006 ________________________________________ 17 figure 3 thermal capacity breakup _____________________________________________ 17 figure 4 short term electricity demand forecast ___________________________________ 20 figure 5 our sun ____________________________________________________________ 27 figure 6 areas of the world with high insolation. __________________________________ 28 figure 7 the intensity of solar radiation (solar power) in various parts of the world _______ 29 figure 8 energy flows of the planet earth ________________________________________ 30 figure 9 spectral distribution of sunlight_________________________________________ 31 figure 10 average solar power around the world __________________________________ 33 figure 11 projections of levelized electricity cost __________________________________ 34 figure 12 solar panels being used for water extraction in village rarkou in sindh _________ 35 figure 13 solar panels are being used for providing electricity _______________________ 36 figure 14 solar panels in the region of nevarra, spain ______________________________ 38 figure 16 solar cell, module and array __________________________________________ 41 figure 17 working of pv cell __________________________________________________ 42 figure 19 a state-of-the-art communications repeater was installed on _________________ 50 figure 18 northern power supplied this telesol pv stand-alone system ________________ 49 figure 20 northern power systems designed, manufactured, and installed _______________ 50 figure 21 largest asian pv power plant, sinan _____________________________________ 52 figure 22 solarpark waldpolenz, brandis, germany largest german pv power plant. _____ 52 figure 23 solar panel behavior- full sunlight-angular variation ______________________ 56 figure 24 basic solar cell current and power output ________________________________ 57 figure 25 solar cells working _________________________________________________ 57 figure 26 system design ______________________________________________________ 58 figure 27 solar powered home system ___________________________________________ 59 figure 28 diagram showing sopups applications in daily routine ______________________ 64 figure 29 grid connected solar system __________________________________________ 65

Developers Submission

A final year project report submitted to the supervisor at National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Islamabad in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of BS (Telecommunication Engineering).

Developers Declaration

We certify that the work presented in this report is our own work. We also warrant that the above statement applies to the implementation of the project and all associated documentation. We do solemnly declare that this work has not been presented before to any other institution.

Signature

Signature

_________________ (Muhammad AdeelRaza) Signature

_________________ (AmariaMunawar) Signature

_________________ (Muhammad SaadIstafa)

_________________ (Usman Ahmed)

Certified:

__________________ Mr. RazaRaheem (Supervisor)

_________________ Mr. Shaukat Ali (Co-Supervisor)

Date: _____________

Acknowledgements

We are thankful to Allah Almighty who has given us the strength and courage to work on this project. Our special thanks to the Supervisor Mr. RazaurRaheem, our Co-Supervisor Mr. Shaukat Ali and Sir Amir Munir for their support and help in different modules of the project. We are also thankful to our colleagues for their moral support throughout the project. Last but not the least, we also respect and are extremely thankful to our parents whose encouragement and support helped us in the completion of Final Year Project.

Abstract

Most burning issue of Pakistan at present is Energy Crisis. Unfortunately, all energy resources have been depleted. Delayed efforts in exploration sector have not been able to find enough energy resources in Pakistan. To solve this energy crisis we must have to look for alternate energy resources like Micro-hydro power system, windmill power systems, solar power systems etc. The report includes the complete detail of solution that we had provided based on solar power system i.e. Solar Powered Uninterruptible Power Supply (SoPUPS). Fuels and other sources of electricity are limited and will run out one day. However, sun will exist and keep on providing sunlight which will be used to produce electricity. This report emphasizes on how project has been developed and what resources and equipment have been used and utilized.

Executive Summary

Energy resources have depleted! Whatever resources are available are simply too expensive to buy or already acquired by countries which had planned and acted long time ago. Delayed efforts in the exploration sector have not been able to find sufficient amounts of energy resources. In summer (JuneAugust 2008), Pakistan faced 4000MW of electricity shortage. Worse than the year 2007 after a 50 per cent (2500MW) drop in hydel generation due to less water in rivers and slower melting down of snows on the mountains. Many steps are being taken to overcome this shortage by building more power plants. However this procedure will take years to overcome the shortage. Being the citizens, we should individually try to help overcome this crisis by using minimum electricity. Solar energy is truly the new wave of the future. Though the use of solar power has been around for many years, the need and demand for it is growing steadily every day as the need for conserving the most popular energy reserves are being stressed more and more. Conventional UPS depends on the electricity provided by WAPDA or any other company. In the absence of electricity, conventional UPS is unable to charge its batteries and hence the output becomes limited. The SoPUPS(Solar Powered Uninterruptible Power Supply) is an idea of designing and implementing a reliable, cost-effective system that would minimize the electricity expense and would also provide electricity during load shedding. Solar PV cells convert solar energy in to electricity that is used to charge batteries to provide lights during night. Solar energy has excellent potential in Pakistan that receives high levels of solar radiation throughout the year. Solar Energy is available at a rate of 1000 watts per square meter in Pakistan. This is converted to DC electricity with the help of Solar Photovoltaic cells. The electrical energy generated during the daytime, is stored in batteries which can be used at night to provide power for lightning, radio, Television and fans. The system will be user-friendly and efficient.

Chapter 1

1 Introduction

Energy crisis is any great shortfall (or price rise) in the supply of energy resources to an economy. It usually refers to the shortage of oil and additionally to electricity or other natural resources. The crisis often has effects on the rest of the economy, with many recessions being caused by an energy crisis in some form. In particular, the production costs of electricity rise, which raises manufacturing costs. For the consumer, the price of gasoline (petrol) and diesel for cars and other vehicles rises, leading to reduced consumer confidence and spending, higher transportation costs and general price rising. The most important requirement for a country to prosper is ENERGY. Pakistan today unfortunately is facing a very serious energy crisis. The average short fall of electricity is about 4000 MW which sometimes increase to 6000MW. Due to this critical short fall, consumers have to face intense load shedding. In some rural areas this duration is about 20 hours in a 24 hour cycle! Due to this much intense load shed, practically the development wheel of prosperity has completely jammed. Almost all industries have stopped their production and rest are about to stop. Domestic consumers, students, professionals, almost everyone is affected. At the same time we believe that we can completely change this scenario. In fact this is opportunity for us to get rid of this energy crisis once and forever. By using some alternate renewable sources of energy, not only production can be increased rapidly but cost can also be reduced. Although there are many sources of energy but our emphasis is mainly on the Renewable energy sources, because as evident from their name, they are renewable. Secondly most of them are environment friendly. So our basic focus is upon renewable energy sources which are feasible in Pakistan and are relatively short term, because we need to get rid of this energy crisis as soon as possible otherwise GOD forbid, it will be too late.

1.1 Energy Crisis

10

Growing urbanization and changes in the pattern of life, give rise to generation of increasing quantities of wastes and its now becoming another threat to our already degraded environment. However, in recent years, waste-to-energy technologies have been developed to produce clean energy through the combustion of municipal solid waste in specially designed power plants equipped with the most modern pollution control equipment to clean emissions. Yet, solid waste management practices differ for developed and developing nations. In developing countries like Pakistan, institutions charged with the responsibility to make decisions on solid waste management, operate in the enormous information, policy and strategy vacuum and lack therefore the ability to address this looming environmental disaster. The perfect case study of information gap in selection of appropriate methodology to dispose municipal waste exhibited by the apex civic authority of Pakistan is when the capital development authority has finally decided to solve the ever-increasing volume of municipal waste by landfill in groundwater recharge area. While in developed countries, landfills are now bracketed as obsolete and mines of the future after observing several problems like pollution and contamination of groundwater by leach ate and residual soil contamination after landfill closure and simple nuisance problems. This is the very reason why in the United States sanitary landfill techniques have steadily decreased from 8,000 in 1988 to 1,767 in 2002. Extensively focusing on turning waste to energy, municipal authorities in USA have realized the contribution of waste to an increasing electricity shortage. Today in America, 2500 MW are solely generated by the waste-to-energy plants. Many other countries in the world, Sweden, Japan included, have applied this technology since the last 20 years. In the sub continent, India installed three projects to produce electricity from waste with a total capacity of 17.6 MW. Although these made in India power plants are generating electricity by direct incineration causing pollution and must be upgraded by sophisticated monitoring systems to check pollution. These examples are enough to establish that CDAs ignorance of modern technologies is surely not simply a lack of access to information, but questions the professional capabilities of the planners within its corridors. The site selected for the landfill project is at Kuri, an ancient city of Potwar and its aerial distance is hardly five kilometres from sector G-5, known as the nucleus of Islamabad. Though, in July 2003, the same site was considered for a landfill project but UNDP out rightly rejected and warned that environmental cost would be considerable, besides air pollution, contamination of groundwater if Kuri was selected as a landfill project. JICA in 1988 also compiled a detail investigation report, which established that the area is the recharge zone of the aquifer catering for more than 50 per cent of the twin cities drinking demand. Based on these serious environmental constraints, as its location is up a slope and within the flood plain of Gumrah River, the recharge-basin of the twin cities aquifer, the site was rejected. Recent floods substantiated the finding of all the reports, as the site is definitely within the flood 11

plains of the Gumrah River and would need to be protected on a priority basis, especially as water shortages is now a permanent problem of the twin cities. Whoever selected and approved the site for the disaster of the future, showed ignorance of the above reports and absolute ignorance of the adverse environmental impacts this project would create. Is this ignorance simply unawareness of the planners or is it complete apathy towards anything old, which rejects that Kuri is recorded as an ancient city of the Potowar Region. As CDA is constantly focusing on developing tourist attractions, why not preserve this historical area? Aware of the unprofessional management at CDAs varied directorates one anticipates leachates from the landfills, polluting the amazingly still clean groundwater table, while the wind will carry waves of leaking gases towards the G-5 Sector, farther adding to the prevalent health hazards of the capital. Access to clean water has been given the top priority flag by the president. Selecting a site along the Gumrah River, known to recharge the groundwater along its winding course through ChakShehzad and Kanna shows the warped priorities of the planning commission that approves projects, the ministry of interior responsible for CDA affairs and the CDA itself. Had CDA only followed the minutest details provided in the Federal Capital Commission Reports of 1960 by the earlier planners of the capital city, Islamabad today would have been a model for the rest of Pakistan. The CDA ignored the most recent seismic zoning report of the region too. According to EPA US regulations, duly adopted by Pakistans EPA, there should be no significant seismic risk within identified landfill sites. Kuri is within a highly sensitive earthquake zone, according to new seismic zoning maps prepared after the earthquake 2005. An earthquake having a magnitude of 4.2 was recorded on July 7, 1989 and its epicentre was at a distance of 10 kilometres from Kuri. Had the spread of this infectious disease the vacuum of information been contained in time, CDA would surely have been able to diagnose that the estimated cost of two billion rupees for the landfill site, would have sufficed for setting up an energy-to-waste plant in the city. With load-shedding a permanent crisis in Pakistan, adding some extra megawatts through waste-to-energy could have solved many ills in the rapidly growing energy needs. A vacuum of information has not allowed the CDA to communicate either with the alternate energy development board, established by the federal government in 2003. This board was given the mandate to solve the energy crisis that is facing this country through renewable technologies. Although advertisements in the printed media asked for feasibility studies of waste-to-energy units for ten cities of the country, the twin cities were ignored. Had mutual interactions been part of the government systems, the funds available to the CDA for the ill-fated sanitary landfill, and the technical know-how of alternate

12

energy development board (AEDB), Islamabad could have prided itself of being the first ever waste-toenergy unit in the country today. The decision to construct a landfill project at extremely sensitive areas need not only to be reviewed but also need to empower the AEDB to generate electricity from waste to cope with the energy demand in the lines of international environmental commitments avoiding violation of the Kyoto Protocol and Stockholm Convention. Now decision-makers have to choose whether to allow the CDA to go ahead with the landfill project, to dump waste for adding more pollution and contamination of groundwater or to allow production of environment friendly energy [1].

1.2 Current Scenario of Pakistan

Energy costs, from where they stand now, could rise by more than 50 percent in the next few years. The cost of power on this scale would be difficult to manage by most emerging economies All oil-consuming countries, particularly the third world have suffered due to the consistently rising demand-driven cost of energy By Tariq Iqbal Khan From 2004 onwards, the price of oil started soaring in the international market, and for the first time in October 2004, oil prices crossed the benchmark of US$ 50 per barrel. It continued to fluctuate but kept moving up each year and in 2007 briefly crossed US$ 100 per barrel. For the past few days it has been hovering at US$ 103 plus per barrel. The oil industry has been plagued by two main deficiencies which is a drop in exploration activity following the economic slowdown of the mid-1990s. Coupled with that, the global refining capacity did not keep pace with the rise in demand by developing countries, especially in China, India and the Far East beginning 2000. Yet, both OPEC and the vertically integrated oil industry have displayed no interest in increasing the output, which needs additional investment in exploration and at last 4 to 5 years to build additional refining capacity. All oil-consuming countries, particularly the third world countries have suffered due to the consistently rising demand-driven cost of energy. Pakistan is one of the countrys worst hit by the rise in price of energy. The domestic energy generation sources are restricted to hydropower, limited production of oil and gas, and negligible use of coal as the input for power generation. Even the conversion of cement industry to use coal did not help much as the required quantity was being imported from Indonesia and

13

some other countries. This brings us to the shortage being faced in supply of electricity for domestic and industrial purposes. According to the PPIB website, during 2008 Pakistan would be short of electricity supply to the tune of 1,457 mwh. Given this supply shortfall, and few choices for plugging this gap with indigenous energy resources; the planned and projected growth in GDP appears highly unlikely. If Pakistan chooses to rely on fossil fuel to generate electricity it would be a constant burden on the countrys foreign exchange reserves, and due to continuously increasing price of oil, our exportable surplus would become progressively more uncompetitive and goods for local consumption would become costlier. This may result in closure/ bankruptcy of some industries and the country could face some economic weaknesses. It is therefore imperative that Pakistan finds workable remedies to the looming energy crises and remedies are found with practical solutions to facing up to the problems arising out of growing population and the growing energy needs to support reasonable GDP growth. For the last 10 years Pakistan has been importing crude oil and refined petroleum products to generate electricity, besides meeting the increasing demands of its expanding transport sector. The alternate energy sources (1) Nuclear energy KANUPP was established with the help of the Canadian Government in the 1960s and nearing end of its lifecycle. The Chashrna Nuclear Power Plant has been designed and built in collaboration with Peoples Republic of China, and is being operated and maintained by Pakistani scientists and engineers, delivering full power of 300 mw to the national grid. With the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant also operational since 1971, Pakistan is the only country in the Muslim World operating nuclear power plants. Nuclear power is safe, economical and environment-friendly. (2) Natural gas exploration Pakistan still has huge untapped gas reserves. If we allocate more resources to their exploration there is a possibility that in the near future part of the energy resource gap may be met from new reserves. The current gas prices and the limits they place on increasing the profitability of this sector would not attract any reasonable amount of investment, whether local or foreign, since the cost of exploration has gone up substantially and current well head prices do not justify further investment at the current rate of return. The other factor discouraging exploration of new gas reserves, which would continue to haunt us, is the law and order situation in most of the areas where gas finds can be a possibility. (3) Natural gas import 14

The IPI (Iran-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline project is also a long story (global political situation is not being discussed for obvious reasons) but the current plan to lay the 54 inch pipeline through the coastal area has a major flaw. Even if Pakistan starts building the pipeline on priority basis, it may take 5 years to complete the project (i.e. by 2013), and it may plug the energy gap only thereafter. (4) Coal Pakistan has enormous coal reserves (probably the third largest in the world) that remain untapped and even the industries that have converted from gas to coal as their energy source have to import coal mostly from Indonesia, which is again a drain on Pakistans scarce foreign exchange reserves. (5) Wind energy The government is following a policy to encourage investment in wind energy. Two corridors have been identified in Sindh, and land has been allocated to various wind energy projects. (6) Solar energy At present, except for low-ampere domestic use, solar energy is a distant possibility, although in a country like Pakistan where clouds are a rarity for most part of the year it could be a workable option. There is a simple way of harnessing this energy for the industry, which is dependent on steam generation through oil or gas-fired boilers. Water can be pre-heated by converging sun rays on tanks made of metals/alloys that can easily absorb the heat. This pre-heating can reduce the cost of producing steam and reduce the energy resource gap to an extent, though negligible [2]. To install this initially expensive but eventually very economical technology, in the first instance Pakistan may start importing and installing the equipment to generate electricity but in the long run it must encourage domestic production of the equipment. If Pakistan can replicate the sophisticated machinery and equipment for uranium enrichment and also can produce or cause to be produced very high RPM centrifuges, machinery, electric circuits, vacuum valves and allied equipment then, probably, then it also has the capacity to produce equipment for solar powered systems. In this regard, Pakistan can also enter into technology transfer agreements with foreign manufacturers. The considerations that place solar energy on top of the list is mainly due to the fact that generating energy using this technology requires no fuel, and the energy production process does not pollute the environment.

1.3 Energy Resources in Pakistan

15

NEED FOR POWER. Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA), the largest utility company in Pakistan, provides services to the entire country except Karachi. Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) supplies Karachi with electricity. WAPDA's existing total installed power capacity is 17,286 MW, of which Hydel resources account for 6,463 MW, WAPDAs own thermal power plants account for 4,900 MW, and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission provides 325 MW. The rest of WAPDAs power, 5,598 MW, is provided by IPPs (Independent Power Producers). KESC owns its entire 1,756 MW capacity in the form of thermal plants. KESC also has access to an additional 137 MW from Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) and 260 MW from IPPs. An increase in industrialization is accompanied by an increase in electricity demand. The non-availability of natural resources for expansion of the power sector has widened the gap between demand and supply, which has resulted in excessive and frequent load shedding. The shortfall in supply could be the major cause for stunted growth in the industrial sector in Pakistan. At the moment industrial units are facing a dichotomous situation where market forces demand increased production, especially of consumer products, while the utility infrastructure fails to keep pace with this requirement. This dilemma is typical for organizations which see the potential for enhancing the market share of their products but are facing constraints in the reliability and supply of electricity. The demand for electricity has continued to increase by out pacing the growth rate of the economy. At a 6% growth rate, a power shortage was likely to appear in 2006 which did and forced the utilities to go for load-shedding. Estimated shortfall is 4,000. By the year 2010, the shortfall will have reached 5,000 MW. If any of the projects planned for 2006 are not implemented there will be enormous pressure on the electrical infrastructure of the country. CONVENTIONAL SOURCES OF ELECTRICITY GENERATION IN PAKISTAN Electricity is generated in Pakistan through a number of sources including hydel power, coal, gas, oil and nuclear power. Following graph depicts the share of each source in the total energy mix during the FY 2004 05.

16

Figure 1 Energy Generation by Source 2004-2005

Figure 2 Energy Capacity by Source 2006

Figure 3 Thermal Capacity Breakup

associated with traditional methods of power production, there has been a massive increase in the demand for alternate sources of energy generation the world over.

17

Pakistan, being the fastest growing economy in Asia, is following this example and is aggressively pursuing the adoption of alternate energy to meet the growing needs of the industrial sector. For this purpose the Government, in May 2003, established the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) with a mandate to create a policy and development framework for the introduction of renewable energy technologies in Pakistan. One of the key objectives in the establishment of the AEDB was for it to act as a one-window facilitator for the establishment and promotion of renewable energy projects based on wind, solar, and bio gas. Their mandate also included other non-conventional sources such as micro hydel, fuel cells, tidal, ocean and biomass etc.. WIND After analyzing wind date gathered by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (MET Department), the AEDB has identified a coastal belt in Sindh for the development of wind energy projects. This wind corridor stretches from Keti Bandar to Gharo and is capable of producing 50,000 MW of electricity. More than sixty companies have alreadyapplied for wind power LOIs, equaling more than 3000 MW. Apart from about 30 wind mills that have been installed on an experimental basis for pumping water in different parts of Sindh and Balochistan, no wind farms have been set up in Pakistan up to this point. A few experimental micro turbines have also been set up in different parts of the country. SOLAR Pakistan, being on the Sun Belt, is highly suitable for generation of electricity through solar. Global irradiation falling on the horizontal surface is about 1,800-2,200 kWh/m2 per year. At current efficiency levels of 18% for solar modules this is sufficient to produce 0.320 to 0.400 MWh of electricity per m2 per year (Source: German National Meteorological Service - DWD). Balochistan province is particularly rich in solar energy, with annual mean sunshine duration of 8 - 8.5 hours a day. It is estimated that this amount of energy is enough to electrify 40,000 villages. In Pakistan, during the early 80s, about 18 stations were installed for village electrification with an installed capacity of 440 kW. However, due to the lack of technical expertise and follow up, these systems could not perform in the long term. Recognizing this problem, the Pakistan Council of Renewable Energy Technology (PCRET) has developed know-how and the technology to fabricate solar panel modules and systems. Solar energy is currently being utilized in Pakistan on a standalone basis in rural telephone exchanges, repeater stations, highway emergency telephones, and refrigeration for vaccines and medicines. BIOGAS

18

Pakistan, being an agricultural country, produces sufficient animal waste and, consequently, bio gas. The Government, realizing this potential, started a comprehensive scheme in 1974 and had commissioned 4,137 bio gas units by the end of 1987 throughout Pakistan. Unfortunately, after the withdrawal of Government support, these projects did not progress any further till 1990. Subsequently, nearly 1,700 small bio gas units were installed in remote areas of the country, which are running quite successfully. HYDRO Hydel energy is the cheapest source of electricity generation amongst all sources. Currently, hydel electricity accounts for 30% of the total electricity produced in Pakistan. Pakistan's total hydel power generation potential is about 46,000 MW. However, Pakistan has not been able to exploit this potential, which is mainly due to the lack of proper transmission infrastructure at sites suitable for hydel power generation, paucity of funds, and lack of national consensus over development and execution of large hydel projects. Hydel projects also have an exceptionally long gestational period, which make them particularly unsuited to short term needs. Furthermore, the power generation capacity of hydel projects is seasonal and is highly dependent upon the availability of sufficient water in the reservoirs, resulting in fall of electricity generation during times of low rain or a fall in in the water level of associated rivers. This has contributed to regular nationwide load shedding and a loss of industrial production. The transmission cost of hydel electricity is much higher as a network of transmission lines is required to be laid down for delivering electricity produced to areas which require it which are typically quite far from the location of the hydal plant itself. ANALYSIS OF CURRENT DEMAND AND SUPPLY SCENARIO DEMAND OF ELECTRICITY Pakistans economy is experiencing significant structural changes since 1999. Over the next five years, 78 percent GDP growth per annum is targeted, which will result in a commensurate rise in energy use. Keeping in view the sustained growth in all sectors of the economy in the coming years, it is expected that future demand for electricity will rise from the current 15,500MW to 21,500 MW by the year 2010. This is a rise of approximately 7.9% for each of the next five years. Please refer to the table below for sectorwise power demand (2005-10).

19

Figure 4 Short term Electricity Demand Forecast

As shown in the table above, the demand for electricity from the industrial sector, given current growth trends, is going to rise substantially over the next five years. There has also been a rapid increase in the number of electricity consumers in recent years. This is due primarily to rapid urbanization and also the extension of the national grid to include an increased number of rural areas. In fact, village electrification has been a central part of the governments agenda. As of March 2005, the total number of electricity consumers in Pakistan is 14.7 Million. This is a six percent increase over the same time last year where there were 13.9 million users. MEGA WIND POWER POTENTIAL Pakistans coastal belt, stretching from Gharo to Keti Bandar in the province of Sindh, is 60 km wide and 180 km long (upto Hyderabad). This corridor has the potential to generate approximately 50,000 MW of electricity through wind energy. In addition, there are other wind sites available in coastal areas of Balochistan and some Northern Areas. Technically the grid can take up to 30% - 40% of wind energy. MICRO WIND POWER POTENTIAL Most of the remote villages in the South can be electrified through micro wind turbines. More than 5,000 villages can be electrified through wind energy in Sindh, Balochistan and the Northern Areas. SOLAR ENERGY POTENTIAL Pakistans solar resource has been calculated at 800 million MW. Pakistan, being in the Sun Belt, is ideally located to take advantage of solar energy technologies. This energy source is abundantly available in the country. Solar energy intensity is approximately 1800-2200 kWh per square meter in Pakistan. Balochistan in particular is rich in solar energy. It has an average global insulation of 19 20 MJ/m2 per day with annual mean sunshine duration of 8 to 8.5 hours. These values are among the highest in the world. For daily global radiation up to 23 MJ/m2, 24 (80%) consecutive days are available in this area.

20

Such conditions are ideal for Photo Voltaic and other solar energy applications. It is calculated that approximately 40,000 remote villages can be electrified through solar energy. MICRO HYDRO POTENTIAL The Northern part of the country is rich with hydro power resources. There are a large number of sites in this high terrain, where natural and manageable water falls are abundantly available. The recoverable potential in micro hydro power upto 100 KW is roughly estimated to be 300 MW on perennial waterfalls in Northern Pakistan. Additionally, there is enormous potential for electricity generation in the natural gradients found in the canal network particularly in Punjab, where low head high discharge exists on many canals. More than 300 sites have been identified with nearly 350 MW of power potential. . The Government of Pakistan has initiated an aggressive program to encourage the induction of renewable energy as a mainstream source for power generation. The Alternate Energy Development Board has identified significant sources of renewable energy in geographic areas which have a sustainable potential for high year round electricity generation. As an initial thrust, the KetiBunder Gharo corridor near Karachi has been identified as a very viable location for Wind Farms supplying the Utility Companies. National Energy Security Action Plan has set a target of 3.5% generation from renewable sources by 2015. This translates into a target generation of 1,680 MW of which major portion will be Wind Powered electricity generation.

1.3.1 Reason behind the Crisis

An important question in the midst of ongoing power shortage crisis, being raised is that why the energy crisis looms on our head after an interval of around 10-15 years despite the fact that statistics about energy resources, demand and consumption are well articulated. They are also readily available to planning commission and other federal and provincial governments. The answer is simple; poor management, lopsided priorities and lack of accountability on part of those who stay at the helm of affairs. In the early 90s, the power crisis had started emerging and the political government that was mandated to govern the country was faced with the issue of power crisis. The government had to resolve the crisis by engaging almost 19 Independent Power Producers (IPP). 19 IPP projects were initiated with an installed capacity of 3158 mw and investment of $4.0 billion and by March 2003 the installed capacity was at 2728 mw that has reached to 5977 mw through expansion. Till 2005, supply of electricity produced through different power generating units was surplus to demand by around 450 mw but since then demand has been outstripping supply because there was practically no additional power generation. 21

The government did not anticipate that there would be an increase in demand of electricity and it was its responsibility to arrange the supply according to the demand. Consequently, during summer, 2007, supply of electricity ran short of 2500 mw. It is being anticipated that this year the deficit between supply and demand could be as high as 3000 mw. By the end of year 2010, the deficit could be as large as 5500 mw. There are no immediate solutions to generating additional power through any source because a unit takes at least 2-3years to establish properly. More than 5 years is required to construct a hydroelectric dam and the investment is enormous. This crisis has literally paralyzed the construction industry, badly affected agriculture and made life hell for the citizens. In view of existing ground realities and constraints to address power crisis by generating electricity within a short span of a few months, the need to make the best use of existing power generation by taking conservation measures at individual, community and national level are essential. These measures if implemented with commitment and honesty of purpose can help a lot of people to overcome negative implications of power crisis [3].

1.3.2 Solutions for Energy Crisis in Pakistan

Petrol/Diesel/Gas Generators can be the existing solutions to the severe energy crisis faced by the people of Pakistan. But the major disadvantages are: High maintenance cost. 60% efficiency of diesel power generator. Fuel cost is rising. The backup time for generator will increase, which will increase the cost. Solar energy is considered as one of the most useful and reliable source of renewable energy. According to world figures the maximum power which can be received by sunlight is 1000W/m2. In Pakistan some areas receive sunlight which can deliver power up to 996W/m2. So this shows that Pakistan receives a great amount of sunlight. Solar cells are used in the systems for collecting solar energy. Solar cells have the following advantages: Long Lasting Solution for 25 Years Very low maintenance cost In LLS (RBS) use as a primary source and wapda as backup Unsupervised uninterrupted supply

22

Battery system replacement in 7-10 years

Solar systems are further classified in to three further types according to their structure and performance:

1) Photovoltaic Cell Solar System: As evident from its name it consists of photo voltaic cells which are mainly made of germanium and silica. Its also reported that silica which is the basic building unit of those cells is found in greater amounts and of purest qualities in Pakistan.

2) Stirling Engine Solar Systems: These are mid range power generating solar system which consists of these special Stirling engines.Basically a closed cylinder containing a piston and helium, nitrogen or hydrogen gas is heated at one end by concentrated sunlight, and cooled at the other end by air or water. As the gas expands and cools with the movement of the piston, a generator can be driven to produce electricity.

3) Solar-Thermal Systems: This solar system consists of special parabolic reflectors instead of traditional cells. Under those reflectors are some tubes which consist of water or molten salt or some other fluid. Upon heating this fluid converts into steam which is used to run turbines. They are placed in arrays and usually require greater space than other solar systems. They are considered as high among high range power generating systems.

1.4 Solar Energy Potential in Pakistan

In the developing world, the availability and cost of power can play a vital role in economic development and people's well-being. As countries become wealthier and their populations grow, demand for energy increases. Traditional sources of energy are often too expensive to satisfy this demand. There are also concerns about the limited reserves of fossil fuels and their environmental costs. Solar energy, in particular, is an excellent alternative to fossil fuels, particularly for such developing countries as Pakistan that receive high levels of solar radiation.

More and more countries, therefore, are introducing economically and environmentally sound energy policies and are turning to solar energy for a wide range of uses, including cooking and water heating. 23

However, people are unlikely to adopt a completely new technology until they know something about it and have seen how it works. They need to have access to clearly presented information that explains the technical and economic benefits of replacing long-established traditional methods with new, innovative ways of doing things. This means that the new technology must be readily available.

When this project began, the Solar Energy Research Centre (SERC) in Pakistan had already developed designs for solar geysers and cookers suited tothe countrys socio-economic conditions.

Pakistan covers 796,095 square kilometers of land between latitudes 24 and 36 north and longitudes 61 and 76 east. At present, it faces serious energy problems: 95 per cent of its electricity generation comes from hydropower, which becomes less productive during the driest, hottest months of the year and cannot keep pace with the sharp rise in energy demand. Also, about 70 per cent of the population lives in some 50,000 villages dispersed around the country. Many of these villages are far from the main transmission lines of the national grid and, because of their relatively small populations; it is usually not economically viable to connect these villages to the grid. Solar energy, on the other hand, has excellent potential in areas of Pakistan that receive high levels of solar radiation throughout the year. Every day, for example, the country receives an average of about 19 megajoules per square metre of solar energy.

Solar energy systems have already been developed and tested, and they should now be adopted extensively as a way of supporting the economy of the country and improving the living standards of its people. Not only can solar systems meet basic needs of rural areas, but they can also reduce the pressure on conventional energy sources in urban areas, leaving more of these valuable resources for other domestic and industrial needs.

Solar geysers and cookers can be installed in remote rural and suburban areas and are a safe, pollutionfree alternative to gas, other electricity sources and wood. They can also replace the traditional use of wood or dried dung for domestic cooking, thereby solving significant health and environmental problems. Wood conservation is particularly significant in rural areas, where demand for fuel wood is leading to widespread deforestation. As a result of deforestation and other ecological changes, rainfall has decreased, temperatures have risen, water-table levels have fallen, and agriculture is suffering. At the 24

same time, women and children, in particular, are suffering the health implications of inhaling fumes from dung and other materials.

The effects of the new technology are:

Reduced deforestation Improved environmental conditions Better health for many rural people Less rural to urban migration Enhanced agricultural development Poverty alleviation

As a first step, solar geysers for water heating were introduced in cities, particularly in such large buildings as hospitals, factories, government complexes, industries and hotels. These facilities were already using electricity from conventional sources and paying commercial rates for the energy they consumed. Solar energy was of benefit to them because it represented a cheaper alternative. At a later stage, it is expected that public and private domestic users of conventional electricity supplies will adopt solar geysers for the same reason, i.e., lower fuel bills.

The solar cooker technology was introduced in a slightly different way: through a management system that involves non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with experience in this field. Initially, solar cookers were supplied to rural people who had no previous experience of using and paying for electricity. This meant that the costs to users had to be kept to an absolute minimum. Moreover, one of the first aims of the solar-cooker project was to increase people's awareness of and confidence in the new technology. Solar systems require a certain amount of open space for the solar panels, but while rural areas are more appropriate for their use than crowded cities, the cookers and geysers can also be installed in urban areas.

Solar power improves the living conditions of people in areas that have no other sources of electricity. It also allows rural people to carry out income-earning activities that need electricity, thereby contributing 25

to the country's economic development, especially in rural areas, and reducing the urban-rural divide and rural-urban migration. Rural people who can earn money at home are less likely to migrate to cities in search of work.

26

Chapter 2

2 Our Sun

Figure 5 Our Sun

Diameter Mass

1.4 Million KM 330,000 x Earth i.e. 1.99 Trillion, Trillion, Billion Kg

Surface Temperature Core Temperature Energy Output Power Level at earth

5800K 15,600,000 K 386 Billion, Billion mega watts/sec 1.4 kilo watts/sq meter

27

2.1 Solar Energy Facts

Each second about 700,000,000 tons of hydrogen is converted to about 695,000,000 tons of helium and 5,000,000 tons of energy in the form of gamma rays. Even though solar energy is the largest source of energy received by the Earth, its intensity at the Earth's surface is actually very low due to the large distance between the Earth and the sun. Solar Energy is better for the environment than traditional forms of energy. The energy output of a 1 KW solar energy unit is roughly equivalent to the burning of 170 pounds of coal and 300 pounds of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. The basic resource for all solar energy systems is the sun. Knowledge of the quantity and quality of solar energy available at a specific location is of prime importance for the design of any solar energy system. Although the solar radiation is relatively constant outside the earth's atmosphere, local climate influences can cause wide variations in available insolation nsolation on the earths surface from site to site. Figure 1.2 shows regions of high insolation where solar energy conversion systems will produce the maximum amount of energy from a specific collector field size.

Figure 6Areas of the world with high insolation.

Just outside the earth's atmosphere, the sun's energy is continuously available at the rate of 1,367 Watts on every square meter facing the sun. Due to the earth's rotation, asymmetric orbit about the sun, and the contents of its atmosphere, a large fracti fraction of this energy does not reach the ground. The intensity of solar radiation depends on the time of the year and geographical posi positions tions as illustrated in Figure 7.

28

Figure 7The intensity of solar radiation (solar power) in various parts of the world depending on the season, measured in watts per square meter [W/m2]. Source:Sofia (Sharing of Free Intellectual Assets).

2.1.1 SOLAR RADIATION AND ENERGY FLOWS ON EARTH

Solar radiation is the heat and light and other radiation given off by the Sun. Nuclear reactions in the interior of the Sun maintain a central temperature of 16 million C, and a surface temperature of 5700C. Like all hot objects, the Suns surface radiates energy at a rate and a colour (wavelength range) which depends on its temperature.

The Sun emits radiation at a rate of 3.8 x 1011 Watt, of which only two parts in a thousand million arrive at the Earth, with the rest disappearing into space or warming the other planets in our solar system. At the outer edge of the Earths atmosphere, the solar radiation on each square meter amounts to 1350 Watt, mainly of visible radiation and heat plus a little ultraviolet. Nearly one third of this is reflected back into space by clouds, water, ice etc. The rest of the solar radiation is absorbed and provides the energy for almost all the natural processes on Earth, as shown in Figure 4. The energy is shown in units of GigaWatt (GW) - about equal to the output of a large electricity generating station.

29

Figure 8Energy Flows of the Planet Earth

The average temperature of the Earths surface (averaged over day and night and the seasons over the whole surface from equator to poles) has remained remarkably constant over the past few thousand million years. It has varied by only a few degrees from the mean of about 14C or 287K. Anybody at any temperature, including the human body, emits radiation. This is because it also absorbs energy from its environment (e.g. from the sun) and without emitting this energy back it would heat up infinitely. This emission is mainly long wavelength infrared (heat) radiation. To maintain a constant temperature, the Earths surface must emit the same amount of energy into space (in the form of heat radiation) as it receives from the Sun. Note that in Figure 1, the total input of 173 million GW is balanced by the 52 million GW reflected into space and the 121 million GW emitted as heat radiation by the Earths surface. The temperature of the Earths surface is determined by this balance of radiation. At night when there is no input, the surface temperature falls as energy is radiated into space. A cloudy sky reflects much of the heat radiation back to the ground, so clear nights are colder than cloudy ones. Some atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide or methane can trap the long wavelength radiation. Since less energy is radiated away than is being absorbed from the Sun, then the temperature of the Earth will rise - this is the Greenhouse Effect.

30

2.1.2 SPECTRAL DISTRIBUTION OF SOLAR RADIATION

Solar radiation extends over a wide range of wavelengths (colours) of light. The precise spectrum depends on the path length of the sunlight through the atmosphere, and the humidity, dust content etc., of the air. Figure 5 shows the spectrum of sunlight for the Sahara Desert when the sun is directly overhead, and for a typical British sunny summers day. The dips in the solar spectrum are due to absorption of the sunlight on its way through the atmosphere, by ozone in the ultraviolet and by water vapour and carbon dioxide in the infrared. For comparison the spectrum of the long wavelength radiation emitted by the Earth would be a broad curve with a peak at about 10 mm.

Figure 9 Spectral distribution of sunlight for the Sahara desert and a British summers day.

The response curve of the human eye is also shown in Figure 5 and it is interesting to see how closely human eyes (and those of many other animals) have adapted to have a maximum sensitivity where there is most energy in the sunlight. 31

2.1.3 DISTRIBUTION OF SOLAR POWER AROUND THE WORLD

Solar radiation is very variable. It varies from place to place, and from time to time. As we move from the poles towards the equator, the power of the sunlight increases. This is partly because the sun is more directly overhead, and therefore has a shorter path length through the atmosphere, and partly because there are more clouds at higher latitudes. There is in fact less solar energy at the equator than at the tropics because of the equatorial rain clouds. Figure 6 shows the average solar power around the world. These power data are obtained by measuring the average solar energy received in one year and dividing by the number of seconds in a year, so the averages include day and night. Note that in the UK we receive an average power of about 125 Wm-2 whilst the Sahara Desert gets 250-300 Wm-2 - a much smaller difference than most people would guess.

North of the equator, the highest radiation levels in the world are found in the Sahara desert, the Arabian Gulf area, and the deserts of California and New Mexico. South of the equator the Kalahari and Australian desert areas have the highest levels. These areas all average about 250-300 Wm-2. Southern Europe has a radiation level of about 200 Wm-2 ,as does most of the sun belt of the world, between latitudes 40N and 40S.

32

Figure 10Average solar power around the World

2.2 Economic and Environmental Considerations

The most important factor driving the solar energy system design process is whether the energy it produces is economical. Although there are factors other than economics that enter into a decision of when to use solar energy; i.e. no pollution, no greenhouse gas generation, security of the energy resource etc., design decisions are almost exclusively dominated by the levelized energy cost. This or some similar economic parameter, gives the expected cost of the energy produced by the solar energy system, averaged over the lifetime of the system. In the following chapters, we will provide tools to aid in evaluating the factors that go into this calculation. Commercial applications from a few kilowatts to hundreds of megawatts are now feasible, and plants totaling 354 MW have been in operation in California since the 1980s. Plants can function in dispatch able, grid-connected markets or in distributed, stand-alone applications. They are suitable for fossilhybrid operation or can include cost-effective storage to meet dispatch ability requirements. They can operate worldwide in regions having high beam-normal insolation, including large areas of the southwestern United States, and Central and South America, Africa, Australia, China, India, the 33

Mediterranean region, and the Middle East, . Commercial solar plants have achieved levelized energy costs of about 12-15/kWh, and the potential for cost reduction are expected to ultimately lead to costs as low as 5/kWh [4].

Figure 11 Projections of levelized electricity cost predictions for large scale solar thermal power plants. Current costs are shown in blue with a 1-2 cent/kWh addition for 'green' power shown in green.

In these days of escalating oil prices, its becoming extremely difficult for a common citizen to pay off monthly electricity bills. The bills keep soaring day by day and there seems to be no respite in foreseeable future. These bills can be reduced by resorting to other methods of generating electricity, solar being one of them. This article dwells on the discussion regarding production of electricity through solar means and discusses a cost-effective strategy to achieve this end.

34

Figure 12The photo above shows Solar Panels being used for water extraction in village Rarkou in Nagarparkar, Sindh

The use of solar energy for the generation of electricity is not something new. Most of the countries are doing it successfully for decades and their population benefiting through the use of this free resource. But, to most of the people, it may still look like a mystery. These days, this energy is being utilized to light our homes, run fans, provide power to our fridges and microwave ovens, assist in warming our homes and swimming pools, provide power to our gardens and street lights, run our TVs and computers, and extract water from the sub-soil for irrigation purposes. A practical example of the use of solar energy could be seen in some villages of Pakistan where each house has been provided with a solar panel thats sufficient to run an electric fan and two energy saving bulbs. Prior to this arrangement, the whole village used to be plunged in pitch dark during night. One such example is the village with the name of NarianKhorian, some 50 kilometers away from Islamabad, where 100 solar panels have been installed by a local firm, free of cost, to promote the use of solar energy among the masses. Through these panels, the residents of 100 households are enjoying light and fan facilities. Had these panels not been installed, the people living in this area wouldnt have even dreamt of getting this facility for decades as the provision of electricity from the national grid was a far cry due to the difficult terrain and high expenses involved. A layman would normally be interested in knowing as to how electricity could be produced using energy from the sun. Simply put, it can be said that the basic item required to generate this electricity is a solar cell, approximately 2 inches x 1/2 inch in dimension. These cells may be available in other dimensions as well. Some 80 to 100 or even more such cells are pasted on a tampered glass sheet whose dimensions are generally 1.5 feet x 4 feet. The glass sheet with cells pasted on it and inter-connected, is called a solar 35

panel. The light from the sun is used to generate electricity through these cells. It may be clarified that its the suns light and not its heat that produces electricity. The solar cells are called photovoltaics (PV); the word Photo meaning light and voltaics electricity. The life of a solar panel is approximately 20 to 25 years! To give you an example of the use of solar energy, you must have noticed solar panels installed on poles along with the telephone booths on your left hand side while commuting on the Motorway. Each of these telephones is being powered by this panel. A battery is installed beneath each solar panel to store energy for keeping the telephone in operation during night when theres no sun light. Its a stand-alone system, entirely powered by solar energy. During emergency, the commuters make use of these telephones and call for help. To give you another example, if you happen to drive from Rawalpindi (Faizabad) towards Murree on the newly constructed Murree Road, you would see on your right hand side blinking red hazard lights installed at the top of each WAPDA pole. Each of these lights is being powered by a stand-alone solar system i.e. a solar panel and a battery. Just imagine, how much expensive and full of hassle it would have been if solar panels werent used for this purpose and these lights were provided normal electric connections!

Figure 13In the photo above, solar panels are visible towards left. These Solar panels are being used for providing electricity to extract water and drip irrigation system. Solar panels are provided by Thardeep Rural Development Programme (TRDP).

The region of Nevarra, Spain, is generating 70 per cent of its electricity through solar and wind energy. And, mind you, this region doesnt have any coal, gas or oil of its own. Its really a classic example of making the best use of renewable energy in any country of the world! But, the question that automatically 36

crops up ones mind is: If it can be done in Spain, why cant it be done in our country? The answer is a big Yes. I will substantiate my statement by presenting you a strategy which, if followed, could be instrumental in generating this electricity in the most cost-effective manner. The cost of the solar systems can be brought down if we go for the manufacture of solar panels in country. Solar panels basically utilize solar cells in their manufacture. . In one panel, approximately, 80 or more solar cells are used, depending upon the power required and the electric gadgets you want to run utilizing these panels. Each solar cell costs approximately Rs. 1000 if imported from abroad. These cells would be required in millions or may be in billions if requirement of the whole country is to be met. We cannot import such a huge quantity of solar cells from other countries due to financial constraints. So, naturally, there would be no other option but to resort to manufacturing these cells in our own country. Once it has been decided in principle to manufacture solar cells in Pakistan, then we would look for three basic requirements i.e. raw material, trained manpower and necessary infrastructure. The basic raw material (quartz) is available in abundance in the northern areas of our country. But, this raw material is useless for us as far as its purification and development to a stage where this raw material could be converted into solar cells is concerned. This equipment will have to be imported; but it would be a one-time investment. One would be surprised to know that this raw material is being utilized by the local population of Northern areas for raising the walls of their houses in place of bricks as the poor simpletons dont know its value. Some of them take it for marble as well!

37

Figure 14 Solar Panels in the region of Nevarra, Spain

The other raw material required to manufacture solar cells is silica (sand) whichs in inexhaustible quantity in River Sindh as water these days is otherwise in less quantity in our rivers. At least we should make use of silica in the manufacture of solar cells. So, to venture into manufacturing of solar panels, both the raw materials are available. The other requirement is that of manpower. I have no qualms in making a statement here that we have the finest and the most hard-working, skilled manpower available in country. From my personal experience, I could say with conviction that the retired personnel of the defence services who have been working on electronics and telecommunication equipment during their service careers would be the best choice for deployment on the manufacture of solar panels and cells. These people are highly skilled and disciplined and get retired at an early age. Shaheen Foundation, Islamabad maintains an up-to-date computerized record of such personnel who are just a telephone call away. The expertise of such workers is not less than any worker deployed in the western countries for such jobs. The only difference is that a European worker of such calibre gets US $ 45 per hour whereas a Pakistani worker, if he is paid $5 per hour (or even less) in his own country would be the happiest man around. While starting manufacturing of solar cells, it would be advisable if we do it in collaboration with a world-renowned company as India has done. It had a joint venture for the manufacture of wind turbines with a company that has 26000 wind turbines to its credit! This company has a name in wind industry and

38

its wind turbines are being used the world over! This way, we would lay our hands on the best and the latest technology in the field of solar energy and our manpower would also be trained through short orientation courses as they already possess sound knowledge and strong technical base. By adopting this strategy, the cost of the solar cells is bound to reduce drastically with the result that these prohibitively costly solar panels would come within the reach of every citizen and the day wouldnt be far when wed see these panels mounted on each and every roof in each city of the country including the rural areas. The energy crisis would thus be a history for our citizens. Presently, theres one and the only one factory manufacturing solar panels in Pakistan whichs located at Hattar Industrial Area near Taxila, 1-1/2 hours drive from Islamabad. But, due to various compulsions, its importing these costly cells from abroad at an exorbitant price. In a solar system, apart from solar panels (which include solar cells), tampered glass sheets, batteries and inverters (to convert DC electricity into AC) are also used. We have innumerable factories producing good batteries in our country; so theres no problem in their manufacture! Rather, we can go for maintenance-free batteries! Just augmentation of the manufacturing facilities of the existing factories is required. Regarding tampered glass, we have many glass manufacturing factories in Pakistan. In this case as well, well have to augment their existing facilities to produce tampered glass of required specifications. Again, I may mention here that its a tampered glass sheet on which solar cells are pasted; this glass sheet with solar cells pasted on it is called a solar panel. Tampered glass is after all glass and nothing else. Required machinery could be imported and installed in our existing glass manufacturing factories. Theres no need to set up separate, dedicated factories for each item. Lets make best use of our existing facilities with a bit of augmentation. This approach would be highly cost-effective! As far as converter is concerned, were already manufacturing thousands of them for our UPSs which are installed in each and every house now, thanks to load shedding! Its generally perceived and is true also that the cost of using solar energy is prohibitively high. But then somebody should answer my question too: If the cost is really that high, then how Nevarra is coping up with this high cost? The authorities in Nevarra must have taken some tangible measures to bring the cost down, out of which, one could be the manufacture of solar panels including solar cells indigenously. If the use of solar energy was that costly, then Nevarra would have abandoned this initiative long ago. I would also like to ask such people: If the cost is that high then why the entire Europe is still making use of this form of energy while the sunshine is very scarce in the European countries. We have to adopt measures to

39

bring this cost down so that an ordinary Pakistani could purchase this system. And to do that, all the points are in our favour. Investing in a solar electric system has many benefits. It allows you to produce your own electricity with no noise, no air pollution, and no moving parts. Moreover, this system would never run out of fuel (sun light), and it will help reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted by coal and natural gas-fired power plants. Due to these unique characteristics, solar electric technology has been called the ultimate energy source for the 21st century. There are countries where people using solar energy have covered the entire roof tops of their houses with solar panels. Theyre generating electricity which is meeting, if not full, at least a part of their electricity requirements. As the cost of electricity provided by utility companies rises, they would be compelled to resort to solar energy in a big way. In some countries, solar systems have become so popular that senior citizens are investing their pension money in solar parks. The solar panels in these parks are connected to tracking devices that generate up to 40% more energy than fixed systems. One solar park is owned by as many as 700 to 800 individual investors, each of whom owns one or two large solar panels in that park. The income received from these panels adds to their pension amount and is guaranteed to be paid by the utility companies for 25 years. The cost of such panels is substantially reduced with a tax concession from the government. As the annual income is guaranteed, there is a long waiting list of willing investors.

2.3 How to convert this huge amount of energy into electricity?

The solution to this question would be Solar Panels. There are two kinds of solar panels: Solar Thermal Collector Photovoltaic Cell

40

Figure 15 Solar Cell, Module and Array

2.4 Difference between Solar Thermal Collector and Photovoltaic Cell

The solar thermal collector simply collects thermal energy from the sun and transfers it to a fluid, usually water. This is quite useful for domestic hot water, warming swimming pools, and can be used industrially to pre-warm feed water. Whereas, the photovoltaic cell responds to visible sunlight and produces a small dc current from semiconductor material such as silicon, doped with impurities.

2.5 Working of Photovoltaic Cell

The solar panel is made of a sandwich of two materials called semiconductors. Each material is made of millions of atoms. As you might already know, atoms have a positively charged nucleus, and negatively charged electrons which spin around the nucleus. When these two materials are put together in a sandwich, an interesting thing happens: electrons become pulled from the bottom half. But there's a problem. The electrons are all attached to atoms, and the atoms won't let go very easily. This is where the sun's energy helps out. If we shine sunlight on these materials, the sunlight has enough energy to knock the electrons off of the atoms. The electrons will then be free to be pulled to the top of the sandwich. 41

Figure 16 Working of PV Cell

Now if we connect wires to a motor, electrons will flow through the wire into the motor (making it spin) and back through another wire to the solar panel where they can fill the "holes" left in the atoms that lost their electrons.

2.6 Types of Solar PV Panels

There are many types of PV modules available; however each PV module consists of 4 basic components: 1. Energy collecting surface. 2. Top protection cover 3. Enclosure, Frame, mounting hardware 4. Electrical connection The major variation between panels is the energy collecting surface. Most PV panels are either poly- or mono-crystalline. The top protection cover is usually made of some solid translucent material capable of withstanding high winds, hail, sleet, and snow. The enclosure, frame and mounting hardware are important in securing a PV panel to a roof or other surface. Use of proper panel mounts specifically designed for solar panels are essential to good installation practices and in preventing wind or other weather damage.

42

2.7 Choosing a PV System

Photovoltaic systems are appearing across the Arizona landscape. Current trends show an increasing number of urban and rural installations as Arizonans search for energy stability and security. In response to the Arizona Corporation Commission implementation of the Environmental Portfolio Standard directing Arizona utilities to provide a portion of their energy from renewable sources, utilities are installing solar power lands; providing incentives and buy downs to their customers who purchase and install solar systems; and some are even offering packaged units of stand-alone systems for remote settings. While the economics of photovoltaics continues to get better and better, the obvious advantage is in locations where there is no utility grid, and remote enough to make extensions of the existing power grid costly. Rural Arizonans continue the incorporation and use of solar, and leading the State into a solar future.

2.7.1 DO NOT THINK ABOUT PV WITHOUT CONSIDERING ENERGY EFFICIENCY.

PV only makes sense when electricity is consumed efficiently. Energy efficiency is the key goal before considering any PV system, since it will have a direct impact upon the type and quantity of PV equipment needed.

* Consider an energy audit * Consider energy efficiency

Insulation Effective windows and covers Roof exposure and impacts Efficient appliances Time of use utility rates Site conditions 43

Architecture and construction

* Use Passive solar techniques to mitigate negative conditions, and take advantage of site resources to reduce power requirements.

There are 2 types of photovoltaic applications: those connected to an existing power grid (Grid-Tie), and those independent from any power grid (Stand Alone).

2.7.2 STAND ALONE SYSTEMS

Stand alone systems are totally self-sufficient with no connection to the utility grid system. They generate electricity during daylight hours, and store excess for nighttime use.

OTHER APPLICATIONS

SOLAR WATER PUMPING POOL PUMPS IRRIGATION CONTROL LIGHTING DC POWERED EVAPORATIVE COOLERS

ALLIED EQUIPMENT TO BE USED WITH STAND ALONE APPLICATIONS

Propane generator Gas stove and dryer Solar Cooker 44

Solar water heater Wind generator

2.7.3 HOW TO CHOOSE A PHOTOVOLTAIC (P.V.) SYSTEM

FIRST STEPS Choosing a System:
System choice is based on *What do you need it to do? *How much power do you want? *What is the daily & annual profile of power use and projected need? *What happens if the power system fails?

STAND ALONE SYSTEMS

* Total independence from utility power. * Provide for all electric needs. * Require large battery bank for night and cloudy days. * Consider a backup generator/inverter in case of system failure. * Minimize electricity use, Energy Efficient appliances and Use only electric appliances. * Minimize parasitic loads that are always on but dont need to be (VCR, clocks etc).

2.7.4 WHAT WILL IT DO?

STAND ALONE COMPONENTS PV array The part of the system that converts sunlight to electricity

45

Stand Alone Inverter The part of the system that changes the quality of the electricity the panel produces (Direct Current) to the quality required by the building equipment. (120 volt Alternating current) Batteries The electricity storage system Battery Cut Off Switch Safety item to isolate the battery bank Inverter Safety Switch So the Utility can shut system off in emergencies or work

2.7.5 SOLAR MODULES

Solar modules that convert sunlight to electricity are very similar for all systems, with larger modules being normally cheaper in terms of dollars per watt delivered. Modules produce more power when cooler. A current development in photovoltaic modules and engineering plastics is toward Building Integrated PV (BIPV), that make the system a part of the building structure, where the PV system is both the roof, or wall, as well as the power generator of the building.

2.7.6 INVERTERS

Inverters convert DC (direct Current) electricity to AC (alternating current) electricity. There are 2 types of Inverters sine wave and non-sine wave (for non-critical power requirements like power tools, etc,) Inverters. Non-sine wave inverters are cheaper and should ONLY be used in stand Alone applications, N E V E R in grid connected systems.

2.7.7 Inverter Choice Consideration

* How much power is needed? * How flexible is the battery charging? 46

* Will the Inverter control a backup generator? * What other equipment will be a part of the system?

Additionally, there are application elements to be considered.

2.7.8 MODULE MOUNTING

Module mounts are used to position the collector relative to the sun. There are fixed mounts and trackers (which increase the amount of power from an array). Where these are placed affects performance and aesthetics.

2.7.9 BATTERIES

Batteries store DC electricity for later use. *Use ONLY deep cycle batteries. *Wet batteries need to be checked for fluids and tightness at least every 6 months *Sealed batteries do not need water but may not last as long as wet batteries. *Capacity Larger capacity store more energy and are more expensive. *Voltage of the batteries MUST ALWAYS be matched to the inverter. *Never run more than 4 parallel strings of batteries. Since batteries do not share loads equally, the life of the battery bank will suffer. * Safety Keep in a ventilated area and Use insulated tools

2.7.10 OTHER COMPONENTS

47

Charge Controllers
charge a battery.

(Solar Battery Charger) Conditions the power from the solar module to

2.7.11 SYSTEM INFORMATION

* Provide power whenever the sun is shining, eliminating dependency on utility provided electricity, and reducing utility bills. * Provide power for a variety of applications other than residential use. It can be used for pumping water from a well and outdoor lighting etc. * Care must be taken to correctly size and maintain the system. * Amount of solar power available depends on array and inverter. * Back-up power and time depend on Battery and Inverter choices.

Disconnects and Switches National Electric Code and local codes require disconnects for safety
of owners and workers.

Remote Controls

Many systems offer remote controls for convenience and some offer

performance monitoring by computer.

Meters

and Data acquisition Collect data about the systems performance Useful for isolating

performance problems often linked to the Remote Control package.

Wind Generators-

Small wind generators can be acompliment to a solar systeminstallation, in

providing for nighttimepower. Effectiveness is afunction of wind speed and theminimum requirement is 5 to 7 milesper hour wind velocity. Like anyother equipment, a wind generatorrequires regular maintenance andoccasional replacement of parts [5].

48

2.8 PV Cells in Telecommunication Sector

When considered on a worldwide basis, telecommunications provides the lions share of market opportunities for photovoltaics. Even in the U.S., there is a very large market for telecommunications both in the private sector and among military and government agencies.

Telecommunications applications range from small emergency call boxes to large microwave repeaters, and everything in between. The list of telecom applications grows continuously: relay towers, radio systems, remotely controlled systems, and cellular telephones, to name just a few. These systems range from a few watts to several kilowatts. PV is ideal for communications because the PVcharged battery provides a stable dc voltage and meets varying current demands. PV systems operate reliablyand with little maintenance. There are thousands of telecommunications systems in use powered either by PV alone or powered by PV in conjunction with another fuel source, such as diesel. These systems, without fail, have proven that PV can increase the reliability and spatial coverage of telecommunications systems of all types.

Figure 17Northern Power supplied this TeleSol PV stand-alonesystem to Cubic Corporation for a U.S. Air Force TacticalAir Combat Maneuvering and Instrumentation Rangelocated on Nellis Air Force Base outside Las Vegas, Nevada.The sole power source is a 440W solar array comprised of8 SM55 PV modules supplied by Siemens Solar. Energy produced,if not immediately consumed by the load, is storedin DekaUnigy II series batteries manufactured by EastPenn of Lyons, Pennsylvania for this project. The brains ofthe system is a Northern SC-50 controller. [Photo courtesyNorthern Power Systems]

49

Figure 18A state-of-the-art communications repeater was installed on Mt. Washington, part of the Manzano Mountains, Albuquerque, New Mexico. A 1750 watt array was mounted on an existing communications tower. The engine generator and a communications building are part of the background. This installation serves as a remote communications link for Kirtland Air Force Base personnel and Department of Energy security guards, as well as for Sandia National Laboratories personnel. It is the only communications in place for military personnel performing field exercises in the area. Direct Power and Water, Albuquerque, performed the design and installation. [Photos courtesySandia National Laboratories]

Figure 19Northern Power Systems designed, manufactured, and installed a hybrid MicroGrid PV/diesel system on a 10,200' mountaintop site (Mt. Callaghan) in Central Nevada. The system serves as a master site for the Top Gun Tactical Air Combat Training System upgrade on the U.S. Navys Fallon Range. The power system consists of an 11,872-peak watt PV array coupled with a 20kW diesel generator set. [Photo courtesy Northern Power Systems]

50

2.8.1 Why is Solar the perfect choice for powering Telecom Solutions?

The world over, major telecom network operators, carriers and turnkey equipment manufacturers are turning to Solar Photovoltaics as the most practical and accepted technology for remote applications. In Pakistan, which receives almost 300 days of abundant sunshine, solar makes even more sense.

Solar Solution One time investment, no recurring cost. Solar systems are ideal as an on-site source of power. Reduce dependency on grid supply which may not be available in remote locations. 80% accelerated depreciation benefit provides huge saving on taxability. Save investment cost on UPS or any other source of power required otherwise. Solar systems are low maintenance systems. As they are stand alone systems there is no need to dig trenches and lay expensive cables.

51

Figure 20 Largest Asian PV power plant, Sinan, Southern Jeolla province, Korea, constructed in 2008 (courtesy: Conergy)

Figure 21SolarparkWaldpolenz, Brandis, Germany largest German PV power plant.

52

Chapter 3

3 Idea behind SoPUPS

The SoPUPS(Solar Powered Uninterruptible Power Supply) is an idea of designing and implementing a reliable, cost-effective system that would minimize the electricity expense and would also provide electricity during load shedding.

Conventional UPS depends on the electricity provided by WAPDA or any other company. In the absence of electricity, conventional UPS is unable to charge its batteries and hence the output becomes limited. Normally a UPS requires 4-5 hours to charge its batteries. It would work in bigger cities where the duration for load-shedding is much smaller than of smaller cities. Hence, in those places, UPS is unable to charge the batteries properly which results a poor back up time. Most importantly why to pay for electricity when an alternate source can provide it to you for free.

3.1 Product

Our product consists of a Solar Powered UPS system with a Power Utilizer. The Solar Powered UPS will charge the batteries via solar panels and the Power Utilizer will compare the loads and will distribute the power among alternate sources.

3.2 System Design

Getting the design of the system right is key to ensure both reliability of supply and minimum cost. A little time spent in accurate estimation of energy consumption and planning the installation will pay dividends in the future. The calculators on this page will help in the process of building the optimum solar power system for your needs.

53

Solar Panel Sizing Energy requirement Array size Battery Capacity Cable Capacity Micro Controller Relays

3.3 Other Components

Now that the major system components are in place, all that remains is the simple matter of sizing the:

Charge Controller Inverter

It is possible to do without a charge controller only if the battery is very large relative to the solar panel array. An example is the "Battery Saver" panels designed to plug into a car cigarette lighter. Otherwise, add up the short-circuit current of the solar panel array and use the next largest controller.

3.4 UPS Designing

Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) play an important role in interfacing critical loads such as computers, communication systems, medical/life support systems, and industrial controls to the utility power grid. They are designed to provide clean and continuous power to the load under essentially any normal or abnormal utility power condition. Among the various UPS topologies or configurations, on-line UPS, also known as inverter-preferred UPS offers the best line-conditioning performance and the most protection to the load against any utility power problems. It provides regulated sinusoidal output voltage under several input line condition. When powered from the utility power lines, it draws sinusoidal input 54

current at a high input power factor. These improved input/output characteristics make on-line UPS the ideal solution in many applications. However, because of the use of multiple power conversion stages and the associated analog controllers, on-line UPS have traditionally been the most complex and expensive type of system. In addition to the analog controllers, on-line designs require the use of a low-end microcontroller to provide easy interface to a host computer in order to establish interactive communication and to implement adequate monitoring of the system. These multiple analog and digital controller based designs result in low component integration and increased system cost. High performance microcontrollers that can be used to achieve increased integration are available today, but they do not necessarily provide a cost effective solution. UPS are manufactured using the latest technologies and therefore deliver better and reliable power backup. UPS provides more uptime for all your electrical appliances during power cuts and also prevents accidental data loss.

3.4.1 Salient Features of UPS:

Extra Long Battery Backup Fast and Efficient Battery Charging Comprehensive 2-year Warranty Wide Network of Service Centers Less than 5ms Transfer Time Software Protection Hardware Protection

Instead of designing the UPS from scratch, we used an inverter to invert 12V DC to 220V AC. As very accurate and advanced UPS are available in the market and making one of those standards would be a project itself. Moreover, we want to make a system which is compatible with all the UPS available in the market. By doing so, everyone using a simple UPS can upgrade it to SoPUPS.

3.5 Why SoPUPS?

55

SoPUPS would be able to charge its batteries in the absence of electricity as it has an alternate source of energy to rely on. The batteries would provide power and be charged simultaneously; hence increasing the backup by charging even in the absence of electricity. It will assign priorities to different energy sources. Switching is made by comparing different impedances. Higher priorities would be assigned to alternate ate energy sources and lowest priority would be assigned to electricity by WAPDA. Therefore, minimum electricity by WAPDA would be consumed.

3.6 Solar Cells Working

Basic Solar Cell Behaviour

Figure 22 Solar Panel Behavior Behavior- Full Sunlight-Angular Variation

56

Figure 23 Basic Solar Cell Current And Power Output

Figure 24 Solar cells working

57

3.7 SoPUPS Working

The solar panel will create charge which would be stored in a continuous battery. In the absence of solar energy, a relay would transfer the charging from solar to electricity. The DC from the battery would be converted to AC using an inverter. The AC terminal would be connected to the house circuit breaker or any device.

Figure 25 System Design

58

Figure 26Solar Powered Home System

3.8 Minimum Dependency

The system will continuously monitor the impedance of the house loads. If the solar panels can power the loads, the accessories would be run on solar directly. If the load exceeds the solar panel range, and the batteries are able to provide power to the loads, the accessories will then run on the batteries. If the load exceeds the batteries range and the load is maximum, that none of the two alternating sources can handle it, only then WAPDAs electricity will be used.

3.9 Surveys Conducted

We conducted many surveys during the research work of our project. The places we visited include Mobilink Franchise in Blue Area Islamabad, Advance Technologies Islamabad, an Atomic Engineer of KRL, Shaheen Solar and Sacho Electronics Lahore and College Road Rawalpindi. 59

Details of the visits are given below:

3.9.1 Visit to Mobilink Franchise

We met Mr, Sohail who gave us a brief introduction about their system. He showed us how it worked and its efficiency. He fixed our meeting with the providers of solar panels from whom they bought their system. He explained us what a photovoltaic cell is and how it works. We saw the accuracy of a solar powered system and its pros and cons.

3.9.2 Meeting with the representative of Advance Technologies

We met with the representative of Advance technologies at the Mobilink Franchise. He showed us the products his company is making. He offered us to visit his factory in Hasanabdal. He gave us a brief lecture on the Photovoltaic panels. He gave us his estimated budget for the solar panels along with some educating material.

3.9.3 Visit to Atomic Engineer in Rawat

We met Mr. AhsanBukhari who is an Atomic Engineer working in KRL. He showed us his UPS system which he had implemented in his house. He briefly explained us the working and circuitry of the UPS. Keeping in view our budget range, he suggested us an alternate UPS design and provided a circuit diagram to us.

3.9.4 Visit to Shaheen Solar and Sacho Electronics in Lahore

60

After getting quotations from different solar panel providers, we concluded that Shaheen Solar and Sacho Electronics was giving us the best rate. We placed our order on phone and confirmed the due date of delivery. We went to Lahore to purchase the solar panels we ordered.

3.10 Project Budget

Our first proposed budget was way out of the range because it included the following components. UPS Car Battery Solar Panels(50W) PKR 5000/- to 8000/PKR 4500/PKR 17000/- to 20000/-

Hence, the budget was exceeding PKR 30,000/- excluding the cost of other minor items that would be used in the project. After having a series of meetings and discussions with our Supervisor and Co-Supervisor, we came up with a new plan that was sufficient for us to prove our idea.

3.11 New Budget

The new plan included 200W Inverter 12V/12Ah Battery 12V AC-DC Charger Solar Panels (30W) PKR 1000/PKR 1600/PKR 450/-

PKR 12000/-

Therefore, new budget was within the PKR 15000/- range.

3.12 Plan

61

We would charge a small 12V/12Ah battery via Solar Cells. 30W panels were sufficient for this purpose. The battery would be connected to the 500W inverter. The AC-DC charger would charge the batteries via WAPDA at night. The inverter would be used as a UPS using simple relays.

3.13 Solar Panel Estimated Costs given by different Providers

We got different quotations from three solar panel providing companies. These companies include: Advance Technologies Shaheen Solar and Sacho Electronics Al-Fahad UPS (Islamabad) (Lahore) (Karachi)

Detailed quotations given by these providers are given below.

3.13.1 Advance Technologies

Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Panels Net Price: PKR 50,750/With 20 years warranty for solar panels [6]. Rate for 10W panel Rate for 50W panel GST 16% = = = PKR 8,750/PKR 43,750/PKR 7,000/-

3.13.2 Sacho Electronics

Silicon Solar Panels 62

o o

PKR 400/- per Watt 400 x 30 = PKR 12000/-

Hence, for 30 Watts solar panel: o

Sacho electronics offered above prices [7].

3.13.3 Al-Fahad UPS Karachi

The following price list was given [8]:

Model

Watts

Price

Solar Charger 1

10 Watts

Rs.11,500

Solar Charger 2

20 Watts

Rs.18,000

Solar Charger 3

40 Watts

Rs.31,000

Solar Charger 4

80 Watts

Rs.46,000

Solar Charger 5

120 Watts

Rs.66,000

3.14 Advantages of SoPUPS

Our product has the following advantages: SOPUPS will consume free solar energy and give efficient output. 63

Our product will decrease the load of electricity. It will decrease dependency on WAPDA etc. which will help in saving electricity and utilizing it properly. It will reduce monthly electricity bills.

3.15 Features of SoPUPS

Compatible Design User-friendly System Free power from the Sun Lowest priority to WAPDA Spin your meter backwards No fuel, no emissions

3.16 Applications

Figure 27 Diagram showing SoPUPS applications in daily routine

64

Figure 28 Grid connected Solar System

Conclusion

To conclude, it can be said that solar energy is one of the most viable options for Pakistan. Even countries with less sun light are making the best use of this free resource (sun light). We, in Pakistan, arent short of sun light as sun shines on the entire re length and breadth of the country throughout the year. We can make use of this inexhaustible resource and contribute towards meeting the shortfall of electricity. If we dont do it now, then it would be just a matter of time when oil would be touching $ 200 a barrel and the World Bank would be pressing us hard to increase the electricity price by 100 %. Then, we would be left with no option but to grab every opportunity to generate electricity from any available source, what-so-ever! what We should opt for the e manufacture of solar panels including solar cells in in-country. country. For this purpose, we should establish not one but several factories for the manufacture of solar panels and cells in Pakistan. We have unimaginable quantities of raw material at our disposal a and nd our manpower is second to none. With the availability of abundant raw material at throw throw-away away price and the cheapest yet highly skilled technical 65

manpower, the profits that would be accrued is mind boggling!, Its said that if enough solar panels using indigenous solar cell are installed and energy efficiencies are ensured, the home owners can receive a zero power bill!

References
[1] http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/waste-to-energy-pakistan

[2]http://www.opfblog.com/1084/the-looming-energy-crisis-in-pakistan
[3] Courtesy: The News, 17/3/2008 [4] Article on Distribution and Availability of Solar Energy written for the Solar Trust by Prof. John Page
SHEFFIELD

[5] This information was prepared by the Arizona Solar Energy Association & the Arizona Solar Center Inc. for the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office under a contract from the U.S. Department of Energy Million Solar Roof Program [6] Advanced Technologies Islamabad [7] Sacho Electronics Lahore [8] Al-Fahad UPS Karachi

66