March 16, 2023 The National
By Nathan Woti
THE lack of legislation to allow solar energy services in urban centres has denied the country the benefits of a profitable economic resource, says Brian Bell trade electrical branch manager Brett Cox.
Cox said solar energy was clean energy and had proven to be a game-changer especially in rural areas with no access to grid power supply.
He said it could benefit cities such as Port Moresby and Lae.
“We need to change the legislation,” he said.
“At the moment, it is very difficult to get solar energy into the mainstream areas of the country, which is really denying the country a very good resource.
“We have plenty of sunshine especially here in Port Moresby and Lae which can be really good for solar energy to be use for housing and industries in the towns and cities. But unfortunately we do not have the legislation to allow solar or alternative energy to come into that market space,” Cox said.
Solar Solution general manager Lazarus Keeni said 80 per cent of the population living in rural areas were off grid and depended on solar energy for their daily activities.
As such there must be regulations to ensure that standard and quality products enter the markets.
“Consumer protection is good for business,” he said
“The only thing lacking is awareness as to why our consumer should purchase standard products which are approved by VeraSol.
“And to do that, it first starts with a ban on all fake brands in the country.
“Solar energy is the way forward for our country, especially in the rural communities and villages.”
Melanesia News 