The energy of sunlight, solar power, is major source
of energy on the Earth and is used in several ways. One way is to collect it in
solar cells (Photovoltaic Cells). A solar panel collects heat from the Sun and
uses it to heat water. The steam from water is used to turn a turbine to
generate electricity. Solar cells can power electrical appliances and even
motor cars.
Pakistan being a country of subtropical region has
an abundance of sunlight all over the country, throughout the year, even the
shortest day of the year in Pakistan is about 9% hours.
Therefore, in Pakistan, there is enough potential
for solar energy even rainiest region has 250-300 sunny days a year, and
continuous occurrence of cloudy conditions interfering with the solar electric
generation is rare, therefore, environment in Pakistan is ideal for development
of solar energy.
Solar energy can be used for rural electrification
at remote places for water heating, water pumping (tube wells) and cooking
purpose. The solar energy is safe, pollution free, efficient and limitless in
supply. But solar energy is in experimental stage in Pakistan but environment
is ideal for development.
In December 1981, first solar photovoltaic system
was commissioned in.,*manila, a village 60 km from Islamabad. Its capacity is 8 kip, which
fulfill the electricity needs of 30 houses.
Second photovoltaic system (Solar system) was
installed at Kano, a remote area village in Swat valley, its commissioning date
was June 1983. Its generating capacity of electricity is 60 KWP, and meets the
requirement of 170 houses. In December 1984, a third system was installed in
Mera Rehmat Khan, a high altitude village in Abbottabad district. Its capacity
is 18 KWP.
Besides, two villages are receiving solar energy in
Punjab, with installed capacity of 20 KWP. Khurkhera (Lasbela district),
Malmari (Thatta district), Dittal Khan Leghari (Tharparkar district), Chakra (Attack
district), Choke Main Javari (Jhelum district), Naziabad (Gigot), Sundaes (Sucker),
Gainer (Murri-Bugti Area), Patkin (Kharan), Hoot (Multan) are some other solar
energy (electricity) supplying centers.
With the help of European Common Market, US Aid,
Asian Development Bank and other organizations, solar power centers have been
established at various places in Pakistan. In recent years private sector
participation, this sector of energy has been accelerated and solar energy is
now hope of coming day needs.