Is solar PV a solution to energy insecurity in Nepal?

Hence depending nation’s majority of electrical sources on a single source is dangerous and can cause catastrophic energy blackout. Solar PV a globally recognized and in trend in later decades is a promising technology which could secure the energy insecurity of Nepal.

How to promote solar energy in Nepal?

The first and most reasonable approach for promoting solar in Nepal is to increase the domestic energy generation. In Nepal, we do not have significant sources of petroleum which is dominating the proportion of modern energy usage in the country.

Is solar power a viable alternative source of energy in Nepal?

As an alternative source of energy, solar power is gaining popularity across the global as well as in Nepal. Although the major investments for electricity production has flowed towards hydropower projects in Nepal, investors in solar projects have increased in recent years.

How many solar projects are there in Nepal?

The Nepal Electricity Authority had previously entered into PPAs for 110.36 MW with 17 solar projects, out of which 85.26 megawatts are from the private sector, and 26 megawatts are from the authority, all connected to the national transmission line for solar energy.

How much does solar energy cost in Nepal?

According to a report by The Himalayan Times, the solar resource in Nepal is good enough for the production of electricity at a cost of NRs 4,800 (US$40) per MWh once the solar industry becomes mature in Nepal, falling to below NRs 3,600 (US$30)/MWh in 2030. In average the global solar radiation varies from 3.6-6.2 kWh/m2 day in Nepal.

How many days a year does the sun shine in Nepal?

In a year, for about 300 days, sun shines. The number of sunshine hours amounts almost 2100 hours per year and average insolation intensity about 4.7 kWhm-2 day-1 (=16.92 MJ/m2 day) which makes Nepal’s geographical location a favorable insolation zone for harnessing solar energy .