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| Khusnul Hidayat, S.T., M.T. (Photo: Dita Humas). |
As a tropical region, Indonesia has an abundant natural resource in the form of unlimited sunlight. Unfortunately, this renewable energy source is still underutilized as an option for providing electricity to the community. Khusnul Hidayat, S.T., M.T., an electrical engineering lecturer at Muhammadiyah University of Malang (UMM), stated that there are several factors, why Solar Power Plants (PLTS) are not widely used, both on a household and industrial scale.
"The first reason is in terms of cost, especially the cost of batteries used for energy storage. The price of batteries is quite expensive, and their lifetime is also short," he said.
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Although this is a major obstacle, Khusnul mentioned that it can be overcome. He explained that there used to be a policy of kWh export-import or regulations for selling energy from homes or industries using solar panels to the state electricity company (PLN).
"Unfortunately, this policy has now been revoked. Because of the consumer's point of view, it is very beneficial, as they do not need to buy batteries. However, from PLN's perspective, it is detrimental. Among the reasons is that PLN has many power plants. Currently, PLN also has a surplus of electricity, meaning it has more than enough electric energy to supply the needs of society. So why should they pay for energy if electricity needs are already met," he explained.
Furthermore, if many PLTS sell energy to PLN, it will increase PLN's workload to balance it. This is because they have to balance the generated energy and the consumed energy to keep it safe and prevent damage to the components.
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However, for remote areas that are still difficult to reach by PLN, the installation cost of PLTS is more affordable compared to installing electricity installations that require larger costs for cable laying.
"PLTS has many benefits, from its environmentally friendly usage to the voltage generated by solar panels that is not dangerous. This is because if using solar panels and a DC house system, the voltage generated from DC is less than 100 volts," he explained.
Meanwhile, the voltage generated by PLN is 220 volts, which is very dangerous if it comes into direct contact with humans. It can even cause death.
Nevertheless, Khusnul explained that solar panels themselves have started to develop since 2013, and installation prices have also started to decrease compared to 10 years ago. Many industries and residences have begun installing solar panels today. The common systems or components found in solar panels are photovoltaic panels, solar inverters that convert DC voltage from solar panels into AC (Alternating Current), and batteries for storage.
"In the future, hopefully, the government will be wiser in increasing contracts for renewable energy power plants to preserve the environment. Conversely, non-renewable energy power plants, such as coal and fossil fuel-fired power plants, should be reduced so that PLTS can develop further. Additionally, there should be collaboration in research and community service to improve studies related to battery storage," he concluded. (dit/wil/fajr)
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