The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued a draft decree that discourages connecting rooftop solar power systems to the grid unless they are “self-produced and self-consumed.” This is because system operating costs will incur if the rooftop solar power is not entirely consumed on-site. However, individuals who wish to sell excess output into the system may do so for free, but this option is only available if their total capacity does not exceed 2,600 MW.
The draft decree sparked controversy among experts who argue that it lacks attractiveness for investment, as people cannot sell excess power or get paid for it. The Electricity Regulatory Authority also expressed caution about rooftop solar power and believes it should only be used for on-site consumption to prevent system imbalance and additional costs.
Rooftop solar capacity already accounts for over 9% of total capacity in the national electricity system. However, its instability due to solar radiation dependency poses challenges for system balance. To mitigate these risks, storage solutions such as battery packs or backup power sources increase costs for both individuals and the electricity industry.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade warns that rooftop solar sources are small-scale and scattered, making data collection and system control challenging. Operating rooftop solar power may affect traditional power plants’ capacity, leading to increased operating costs and wasted resources. As a result, this could lead to cutting renewable energy sources when traditional sources are minimized to balance the system.
Overall, while renewable energy is encouraged by government incentives, the challenges associated with rooftop solar power development remain significant, including concerns about system stability and potential conflicts with traditional power sources.
In conclusion, while there are benefits associated with developing rooftop solar power systems, there are also significant challenges that must be addressed before widespread adoption can occur. These challenges include concerns about data collection and system control, conflicts with traditional energy sources, and increased operating costs due to storage solutions such as battery packs or backup power sources.