Shams Power: Solar Energy in Pakistan - Lighting the Path to a Sustainable Future

Energy is vital for the socioeconomic progress of a country. However, Pakistan solely relies on traditional fossil fuels to meet its energy needs.

Moreover, it faces many problems like shaky electricity transmission network and high-energy costs. Hence, it is crucial to explore alternative energy sources. In this regard, solar energy can play a significant role.

Renewable Energy Source

The development of renewable energy sources is a critical initiative to overcome Pakistan’s long-lasting power shortage. However, little research has been done on the best renewable energy source to be used in Pakistan. This paper attempts to evaluate different indigenous renewable energy resources to find the most feasible one for Pakistan.

The main objective of this study is to investigate the potential of solar photovoltaics (PV) as a viable alternative to coal as a source of electricity generation in Pakistan. In order to do so, data from a year of solar direct normal irradiance has been collected in four major cities of the country.

The results of this study demonstrate that PV technology can provide a sustainable solution to energy problems in Pakistan. However, a number of barriers need to be addressed before solar energy can be widely utilized in the country. These include high initial costs, limited government subsidies and complicated policies. In addition, there is a lack of public awareness about the advantages of solar power.

Cost-Effectiveness

Pakistan is a sunny country with abundant sunlight, yet it relies on traditional fossil fuels to meet its energy needs. Fossil fuels generate pollution, are expensive and often imported, placing a burden on the balance of payments. These factors make it imperative for the country to switch to renewable energy sources.

Solar power systems can be a cost-effective way to meet energy demands. The installation of solar panels is an investment that pays for itself over time. Solar power systems also reduce the load on the existing electricity grid, helping to relieve stress on the system and provide a more stable source of energy.

However, solar energy is not without its limitations. Its large upfront costs can be prohibitive for many people, especially those living in rural areas. Furthermore, solar energy requires large areas to operate effectively. This could negatively impact agriculture, further exacerbating food insecurity.

Environmentally Friendly

The utilization of solar energy is eco-friendly as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution caused by conventional power generation. Fossil fuel-powered electricity plants produce a lot of pollutants, including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are harmful to human health and the environment. On the other hand, solar panels don’t emit any of these pollutants and thus improves the quality of air in Pakistan.

Furthermore, compared to conventional methods of electricity production, solar energy uses less water for cooling and operation. This is a significant benefit in a country like Pakistan, where water scarcity is a major issue.

Additionally, if solar energy becomes a larger component of the power grid, it can help lower peak electricity demands that occur during summer. This would lessen the need for power plants to operate at full capacity, which also decreases the need for fossil fuels. This can be achieved by adopting a Feed-in Tariff (FIT) policy for PV systems.

Energy Security

Energy security is vital for the socio-economic progress of a country. However, Pakistan like many underdeveloped countries, solely depends on traditional fossil fuels for energy needs. This leads to a huge electricity demand and supply gap, which causes severe power shortages. To overcome this problem, the government of Pakistan is looking into alternate sources of energy.

Fortunately, there are plenty of areas in Pakistan with a reasonable solar energy potential. The southern part of the country receives a lot of sunlight throughout the year, making it an excellent place for photovoltaic (PV) plants.

Moreover, PV systems can reduce transmission costs by eliminating the need to transport fossil fuels. As a result, they can reduce the cost of electricity and boost sales for those who adopt them. Plus, customers are more likely to buy from brands that take environmental conservation measures. Net metering in Pakistan is an ideal solution for this purpose, as it enables consumers to use their excess energy.