Wind power and solar power: The way forward

I read in the newspapers that Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith had met President Rajapaksa, and made a complaint regarding the pollution created the coal power plant at Norochchalai, and that it is causing respiratory problems for the people in that area.

It is high time that Sri Lanka, which is surrounded by the sea should follow the way Holland has used wind power to provide electricity by having wind mills all around the country by the sea. Wind power is always available and much cheaper. We have hydropower in the country presently but, this too is dependent on the rains and many times we have to turn to generators which is costly.

For the last few years we have had solar power in the country which is expensive when it comes to installation in houses but saves money in the long run. I have personal experience of this for the last six years since I installed solar power in my residence at a cost of about Rs. 1.5 million. My monthly bill which was in the range of Rs. 20,000 has come down to less than Rs.100. So in other words I will be able to recover the money I spent within five or six years.

Solar power is guaranteed for a period of 20 years. It is high time that most of our residences and institutions instal solar power in their premises as it generates enough electricity during the day.

I hope the Government and the private sector will do the needful without delay.

Prof.Wilfred Perera

Via email