Assessment of urban roof top solar photovoltaic potential to solve power shortage problem in Nepal

Abstract

Nepal, an underdeveloped country with one of the lowest energy consumption in the world suffers from chronic energy shortage. To meet unquenchable demand of energy, the country spends large amount of money to import fossil fuel and electricity. Urban centers of Nepal have emerged as the main energy consumers and largest green house gas (GHG) emitters due to increasing urbanization and changing lifestyle. Government owned utility company has failed to supply increasing demand of electricity and have resorted to long hours of rolling blackout. Use of solar power technologies can help mitigate the blackout problem as Nepal receives good solar insolation. Despite having good potential for photovoltaic solar power (PSP), its adoption is limited to rural areas due to lack of government support and higher cost. This article analyzes the electricity shortage problem and assesses the feasibility of rooftop PSP in urban areas. The assessment analyzes problems and shortcomings of current system and recommends policy changes to increase use of rooftop PSP.