“My electricity bill, which used to be Rs 55,000 per month, is now nil because I installed solar panels,” says Nishantha. He is an entrepreneur living in the Kinigama area of Bandarawela and earns additional monthly income through solar power generation.
As a developing country in industrial and technological sectors, Sri Lanka’s energy needs are increasing day by day. Currently, Sri Lanka’s electricity needs are largely dependent on fossil sources, making the sector very cost-effective. Mainly hydropower, coal, diesel, etc., production methods meet Sri Lanka’s electricity demand. At this point, only a small amount of renewable energy resources, such as solar power, wind, and biogas, contribute to meeting the national demand. However, they are provided by the Sri Lanka Electricity Board, and the small private sector contributes to this.
On November 1, 1969, the Sri Lanka Electricity Board was established as per Act of Parliament No. 17 of 1969. Sri Lanka’s Lakshapana Power Station was started in 1950. Similarly, the Lakvijaya Power Station is completely powered by bituminous coal. Lignite coal, which is very rare in the world today, is a high-quality power source. Bituminous coal contains 77–87 percent carbon. At the same time, more than 87 percent of carbon is found in anthracite coal. It is an energy production that is very sensitive to the environment.
Likewise, the Samanalaweva Power Station, Udavalawa, Enginiyagala in the Samanala block, and the Kothmalai, Bowathenna, Uppar Kothmalai, and Victoria power plants are found in the Mahavali block to complete the electricity service of Sri Lanka. There is also the Thambabhavani Wind Power Station. Lakshapana and Vimalasurendra hydroelectric stations are also found in the Lakshapana block. Meanwhile, the Kelanitissa Power Station, which produces electricity mainly using diesel fuel, is also connected to the national grid.
These are very expensive and environmentally damaging power generation methods. There are several major challenges facing Sri Lanka due to its reliance on fossil fuels. Among them, global oil price increases, fluctuations, reliability, supply constraints, and increases in dollar value have a direct impact on the country’s economy and environment. Also, burning fossil fuels to produce electricity that can emit carbon leads to health and environmental degradation. Carbon pollution, acid rain, and respiratory diseases are the problems that Sri Lanka is facing in recent times.
In addition to environmental impacts, Sri Lanka’s use of fossil fuels has increased the country’s carbon footprint, contributing to global climate change. Sri Lanka is also a signatory to various international agreements on environmental protection and climate change.
As a signatory to these international agreements, Sri Lanka needs to move towards sustainable renewable energy sources to protect the environment and public health. To meet this challenge effectively, the Sri Lankan power sector is forced to move towards renewable energy first. According to the climatic conditions of Sri Lanka, it is possible to use solar panels that can generate electricity through solar energy. Therefore, the establishment of a national program for the proper use of solar energy in all areas of Sri Lanka is sustainable development.
Renewable energy accounts for 16 percent of the world’s electricity consumption. Sri Lanka’s daily electricity generation is 45.65 GWh. Out of this 16.95 GWh, i.e., 37.13 percent, is generated from fossil fuel. Likewise, 2541.6 MWh of electricity is required during peak demand. Of this, 20.64 GWh is generated in hydropower generation, and 16.23 GWh is generated by coal and petroleum. Similarly, 10 MW of solar projects and private rooftop solar panels provide 3.44 GWh of electricity for the national daily electricity requirement. This is mostly generated by privately owned rooftop solar panels. Sri Lanka can produce 10 times this amount by exploiting the climate opportunities. But there are many reasons why this number is low.
Solar panels can produce electricity at a very low unit cost. Mr. Nishantha is a Bandarawela Kinigama region entrepreneur who is investing in rooftop solar panels to explore their feasibility in the Central Highlands. The experiences of Nisantha: “I got these solar panels fitted six months ago. At the time of its initiation, there was doubt as to whether this initiative would be possible in the climate of the central hill country. For this, I invested Rs. 1.5 million as the initial cost. First of all, I installed 2 panels of 5 KW capacity. Through this, household electricity consumption becomes free, and by selling the excess production to the Sri Lanka Electricity Board, an average monthly income of Rs. 17000 is obtained.”
He also said that a 20-year warranty has been given for these solar panels. “But the initial cost is very high. Not everyone can allocate the amount for this. And I only had to make my investment to get this investment. If there are government grants or other loan schemes for this, more people will be able to take this up,” Nisantha mentioned.
Similarly, the Bandarawela region is affected by heavy fog and continuous rain. Therefore, due to such factors, the productivity of solar panels is relatively reduced. It is his opinion that it is necessary to identify and fit sheets in the market that can cope with this kind of climate and work for a long time. He also says that the conditions affecting the performance of solar panels, such as dust, shade of trees in the environment, weather factors, etc., are seen as challenges.
According to statistics from the Sri Lanka Electricity Board’s Annual Report 2023, the number of rooftop solar panels has shown a significant increase in recent times. Total power generation has increased from 9 GWh in 2015 to 632 GWh in 2023. This is a great advancement in solar power generation. Table 2 also shows significant increases in the output of other renewable energy sources.
Also, based on the Sri Lanka Electricity Board’s long-term power generation expansion plan, a target of increasing 500 MW of solar panels annually has been set. It is expected to produce 10,739 MW of electricity by 2042. It is 70% renewable energy use. The first of these is the solar power generation system. This exemption is expected through the installation of rooftop solar panels and outdoor solar panels. According to Sri Lanka Electricity Board data, an average annual investment of US$ 1.4 billion is planned for this project. It is also planned to further increase solar power generation by providing private power generation opportunities.
Likewise, the Sri Lanka Electricity Board is adopting various systems to make solar power generation more efficient. They are,
1. Ground-mounted solar
2. Large and medium-scale solar parks (10–100 MW)
3. Scattered small-scale solar projects (1–10 MW)
4. Scattered small-scale solar projects in the LV network
5. Rooftop solar (net metering, net accounting, net plus)
6. Floating solar
With this, the annual report of the Sri Lanka Electricity Board stated that solar power generation has increased by 46% in the last two decades, and this number will show a significant increase.
Sri Lanka Electricity Board aims to reduce annual carbon emissions by 0.3 kg/kWh by 2042 through solar power generation. This is expected to have a positive impact on Sri Lanka’s environment and climate change.
Sanath, an entrepreneur from Mahanuwara, Bandarawela, has been installing rooftop solar panels for the past 5 years, making this venture possible. Sanath, who runs a small-scale business, reports that solar power generation has significant benefits for his business and household.
The amount generated in addition to the electricity used for his business and household is purchased by the Ceylon Electricity Board at 37 rupees per unit. Through this, he reports that he gets an average income of Rs 25000 per month. He also says that not everyone can undertake it due to the high initial cost and that it can be expanded further when the government provides loan assistance.
Also, the executive director of Micro Solar Power Company, a private company that provides solar panel service in the Bandarawela area, Ariyawansa, says that they have been doing this for the past 10 years in this area, and recently it has been getting more acceptance among the people. He also said that he has identified approaches for the possible implementation of solar power generation as far as the Central Highlands is concerned. He emphasizes that it is important for people to choose durable quality films that can overcome challenges such as high rainfall, tall trees, and snowfall, and government support and financial assistance are necessary.
Ecologist Rajitha Gamage shares various views on promoting solar energy use in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Mr. Gamage shared his insights on the challenges and benefits of adopting solar energy in the central highlands. He emphasized the importance of environmental protection, stating, “By using solar energy, we can conserve the natural resources of the central highlands, including forests and water resources.” However, he also cautioned about potential ecological challenges. “When installing solar panels, activities like changing the landscape or clearing forests could impact local species and the environment. We need to be very careful with planning and execution to minimize these effects,” he explained.
Mr. Gamage also highlighted the positive impact solar projects can have on local communities. “These projects can create jobs and educational opportunities for people living in the area,” he said. “But at the same time, we must ensure that the traditional ways of life for these communities are not disrupted.”
Speaking about the practical difficulties, Mr. Gamage acknowledged the geographical challenges of the region. “The hilly terrain makes solar panel installation quite tricky, so we need to develop and implement technologically appropriate solutions to address this issue,” he added.
Thus, there are many advantages and challenges in promoting solar power utilization in the central highlands. Ecologist Rajitha Gamage advises carrying out projects keeping these aspects in mind.
When Bandarawela asked the Chief Engineer of the Sri Lanka Electricity Board Service Station about these matters, he made this comment. “Sri Lanka is a country that has faced multiple power outages. One of the reasons is our dependence on fuel. Renewable energy resources are abundant in our country. Chief among them is solar power generation. Today, more rooftop solar panels have been installed in the central highlands as well. Through this, they get exclusive income, and climate change and carbon emissions are properly managed through this environmentally friendly technology. The Sri Lanka Electricity Board manages it based on a long-term plan. We are exploring the advancement of this industry with many new technologies in the future. They also said that it can be further expanded in collaboration with the private sector.”
The Bank of Ceylon offers loan facilities up to 75% of the total cost of the solar system for installing solar panel systems on house roofs. This facility is an ideal solution for households looking to reduce electricity costs. Also, it can continue to reduce electricity bill costs in the long run. Some government and private banks also provide green loans for this purpose.
Lessons from Neighbors
Countries like India and Bangladesh have achieved significant progress in solar energy. India’s Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission has a target of 100 GW of solar capacity, while Bangladesh’s Solar Home Systems have provided electricity to over six million rural households. These programs highlight the importance of government support and innovative solutions in scaling solar adoption.
Regional Chief Electrical Engineer Mr. H. Kumaradasa was asked about this; he said, “Sri Lanka is a late entrant in the solar energy sector compared to other countries. Solar energy is one of the most promising renewable energy sources for Sri Lanka. Although there are some challenges in using it in the central highlands, we have tied up with individuals and are providing the opportunity to consumers to use it. Sri Lanka’s transition to solar power has had a new impact on the country’s energy infrastructure. Its sustainability is aimed at mitigating climate change impacts. This can gradually reduce reliance on depleting energy sources. This reduces the country’s carbon emissions and mitigates environmental impacts. As for the Central Highlands, the sunshine hours are relatively less than in the northeastern provinces of the country. This is a challenge. The electricity generated by solar panels should be used within an average area of one kilometer. It would technically produce high voltage if there were no consumers for it. So when many people apply for installing solar panels within a narrow area, we find it difficult to provide them.
We only allow installers certified by the Sri Lankan Standards Board to install solar panels and private individuals only. And they can give the excess production to the electricity board and earn income. They also have facilities that they can store and use. However, it is an environmentally friendly project. Over time, national programs are necessary to properly deal with the e-waste generated by this,” he said.
This shift brings economic benefits through job creation in the renewable energy sector and lower energy costs for consumers. The vast solar power industry provides Sri Lanka with international collaborations and partnerships on issues such as environmental protection and climate change. It also encourages investments in renewable energy sectors. It also contributes positively to the international environmental and climate change agreements that Sri Lanka has signed. With this, Sri Lanka can become a pioneer in renewable energy production for developing countries.
In essence, Sri Lanka’s use of solar energy, a major renewable energy source, increases the potential for sustainable development and combating climate change. It is essential for the sustainable development of the country.
(Arul Karki is a Colombo-based Journalist and EJN Fellow)
