While prices are still too high for most consumers, one of the biggest problems the industry struggles with is the lack of quality control, with many companies selling substandard products, which in turn creates suspicion of the technology and limits the growth prospects of other companies that are more quality-conscious, says Umair Anwar Khan, head of the solar power division at Adaptive Technologies.
“There are companies that make substandard solar systems. People are attracted to these companies for their cheap price,” he said. “When the equipment fails to deliver they lose trust in solar-power industry as a whole. Customers, therefore, are hesitant to buy our products which are relatively expensive.”
Prices seem to be another major concern, despite the fact that the average price of photovoltaic cells have plummeted over the last year as subsidies by several European governments have spurred demand. A solar-power system for a home that would have cost $900 last year may cost as little as $500 this year. Yet even these prices may be too high for most.
“We receive many phone calls every day but after hearing the prices, many just don’t buy them,” said Umair, who says that his company has not seen dramatic increases in sales.
Others, however, report a difference scenario, particularly in specialised products.
“We have seen an increase in our sales, especially in the air-conditioner units,” said Zafar Iqbal, a manager at the Crest International Trading Company, which deals in solar equipment.
The solar powered AC unit, Iqbal said, costs $612 (Rs53,250). He added their sales are increasing in both industrial and residential areas, though he was unwilling to provide precise figures.
Regardless of whether their sales are increasing or decreasing, however, most industry players believe that the long term prospects for solar power in Pakistan are good – and they put that down to the continuing power crisis.
“We might see some changes in a year or so. People are sick of Wapda and they want to get rid of dependence on it,” said Shehzad Naveed, a business development manager at Akhtar Solar Ltd, an Islamabad based solar-power company. “Certainly, there is a huge scope for solar power business and people will turn to it.”
Solar power currently costs an average of approximately Rs21.75 per kilowatt-hour, which is more expensive than even the oil-fuelled power plants in the country, which produce power for about Rs18 per unit. Yet it is far cheaper than the diesel generators that many industrial units use as backups for their electricity generation during power outages. Those cost most factories an average of about Rs32 per unit.
Despite the high price differential, however, solar power companies feel their product still has potential: the grid may provide cheaper electricity, but it also fails to provide it for several hours a day, averaging more than eight hours of outages in most parts of the country.
Some industrial units use much cheaper gas-fired generators, which cost about Rs5.5 per unit, but in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, cannot run for about four days a week due to gas rationing. That may eventually prompt many to just give up on the grid altogether and go for a solution they can control themselves.
“If we want dramatic changes in our lifestyle, we need to change ourselves,” said Naveed.
2011年5月15日星期日
Saint-Gobain Solar Brings Avancis PowerMax® Solar Module to North America
Saint-Gobain Solar is expanding its product offering in North America through the introduction of Avancis PowerMax® premium class photovoltaic (PV) modules. Showcasing Avancis' industry-leading research and development product experience, PowerMax® combines Copper–Indium–Selenide (CIS) solar power technology with a sophisticated slim design, providing an ultra-efficient, cost-effective energy solution.
"In keeping with our commitment to help protect our global natural environment, we are thrilled to now be able to offer the Avancis PV modules to a new audience of architects, home builders and contractors," said Alain Garnier, general manager of Saint-Gobain Solar in North America. "PowerMax® combines sleek aesthetics with straightforward installation and sustainable functionality, making it much easier to incorporate a low cost design solution while reducing reliance on expensive traditional utility power."
The stylishly uniform PowerMax® black panels are extremely durable, easy to install and suitable for use on roofs, curtain walls, and canopies. Avancis' pioneering use of CIS technology incorporates thin layers (less than one micron) deposited on glass substrate, enabling the highest electricity conversion efficiency for thin film solar modules — particularly in low light — as verified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). PowerMax® demonstrates the broadest spectral sensitivity in the entire field of photovoltaic, making the panels ideal for both single-dwelling and commercial roof installations. The modules are covered by 20-year performance and 10-year product warranties.
In terms of performance, PowerMax® offers significant energy savings and reduces the carbon emissions of buildings, as evidenced by the recent installation at Saint-Gobain Solar's headquarters in Phoenix, Ariz. The system will offset 20 percent of annual electricity consumption and reduce carbon emissions by 224,000 pounds over 20 years — the equivalent of a 23-acre forest.
"Installing PowerMax® at our facility not only helps Saint-Gobain Solar reduce its environmental impact, it offers a real-world application we can share with our customers," adds Garnier.
About Saint-Gobain Solar
Saint-Gobain Solar, a member of the Saint-Gobain family of companies, is a worldwide leader in solar energy products and services. For nearly 350 years, Saint-Gobain, the world's largest building products manufacturer, has offered solutions to architects. Today, Saint-Gobain is combining its know-how in construction products with its solar technology expertise to provide sustainable materials, engineered renewable energy solutions, and photovoltaic solutions for the architectural market.
Saint-Gobain develops solutions to help architects create a new generation of buildings that are safe, comfortable, economical and energy efficient. Saint-Gobain's family of companies offer: exterior and interior building products; architectural membranes and fabrics; paintable wall coverings; solar products; fire-rated, intelligent and electrochromic glass, and more. Saint-Gobain recently earned the 2011 ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award for ongoing and outstanding leadership in energy management.
"In keeping with our commitment to help protect our global natural environment, we are thrilled to now be able to offer the Avancis PV modules to a new audience of architects, home builders and contractors," said Alain Garnier, general manager of Saint-Gobain Solar in North America. "PowerMax® combines sleek aesthetics with straightforward installation and sustainable functionality, making it much easier to incorporate a low cost design solution while reducing reliance on expensive traditional utility power."
The stylishly uniform PowerMax® black panels are extremely durable, easy to install and suitable for use on roofs, curtain walls, and canopies. Avancis' pioneering use of CIS technology incorporates thin layers (less than one micron) deposited on glass substrate, enabling the highest electricity conversion efficiency for thin film solar modules — particularly in low light — as verified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). PowerMax® demonstrates the broadest spectral sensitivity in the entire field of photovoltaic, making the panels ideal for both single-dwelling and commercial roof installations. The modules are covered by 20-year performance and 10-year product warranties.
In terms of performance, PowerMax® offers significant energy savings and reduces the carbon emissions of buildings, as evidenced by the recent installation at Saint-Gobain Solar's headquarters in Phoenix, Ariz. The system will offset 20 percent of annual electricity consumption and reduce carbon emissions by 224,000 pounds over 20 years — the equivalent of a 23-acre forest.
"Installing PowerMax® at our facility not only helps Saint-Gobain Solar reduce its environmental impact, it offers a real-world application we can share with our customers," adds Garnier.
About Saint-Gobain Solar
Saint-Gobain Solar, a member of the Saint-Gobain family of companies, is a worldwide leader in solar energy products and services. For nearly 350 years, Saint-Gobain, the world's largest building products manufacturer, has offered solutions to architects. Today, Saint-Gobain is combining its know-how in construction products with its solar technology expertise to provide sustainable materials, engineered renewable energy solutions, and photovoltaic solutions for the architectural market.
Saint-Gobain develops solutions to help architects create a new generation of buildings that are safe, comfortable, economical and energy efficient. Saint-Gobain's family of companies offer: exterior and interior building products; architectural membranes and fabrics; paintable wall coverings; solar products; fire-rated, intelligent and electrochromic glass, and more. Saint-Gobain recently earned the 2011 ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award for ongoing and outstanding leadership in energy management.
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