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Sunpower Renewables Ltd., a trailblazer in the energy management and power generation sector in Sri Lanka, has added yet another first to its long list of achievements by becoming the first and only megawatt installation company to connect on the recently introduced solar code by the CEB in Sri Lanka.
Global Rubber Industries (GRI), a leading producer of specialty tyres in Sri Lanka, reinforced its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection by installing one of the largest roof top solar systems in the country. With a capacity of 1,200 kW (1.2 MW), the solar panels are expected to generate 136,557 kWh of electricity per month.
Being technically equipped to undertake a complicated installation such as this, together with their 32 years’ experience and extensive knowledge in the renewable energy industry, Sunpower Renewables Ltd. was chosen by GRI to install this state-of-the-art solar power system.
Sunpower Renewables commenced the design and construction of the project in late 2018 and completed it in January 2019, paving the way for the testing and commissioning of the system to the national grid. The latest introduction of the solar procedure for HV Metering required several tests to be completed.
The required data needed by CEB, which included various extensive parameters was facilitated by Sunpower through the comprehensive data analysis platform provided by FRONIUS Austria, the leading inverter manufacturer in the world.
This green initiative spans across a roof area of approximately 90,000 square feet, while the environmental impact of this system will help reduce over 1,100 metric tons of carbon emissions per annum, which is equivalent to more than 20,000 trees that could absorb CO2 annually. Thus GRI has successfully taken measures to support the country’s initiative to source 100% renewable generated electricity by 2050.
Incorporated in 1987, Sunpower who initially started with solar technology, have also expanded into telecommunications, infrastructure building, power electronics, power fencing, energy saving, water supply and large-scale infrastructure projects. “Our mission is simple yet far-reaching. We source technology and technology partners from all over the world to fulfil emerging needs in Sri Lanka’s liberal and fast growing economy, and we transform these applications into thriving, profitable business models,” said Sunpower Renewables Director/CEO Shammy Rajendra.
Most regions today have access to electricity, and infrastructural development continues to
thrive, in purview of managing the power requirement . “The energy sector has been pushing for the use of renewable energy resources through the initiative of Soorya Bala Sangramaya (Battle for the Sun) and the Paris agreement of the United nations Framework Conference on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 2016.
“However in order to improve Sri Lanka’s position from the 39th greenest country in the world and stand by its pledge on the Paris Agreement to use only renewables by the year 2050, real change must happen,” says Rajendra. “The rise of power generation through renewables has been the ultimate game changer, especially for a nation rich in natural resources, waiting to be harnessed.”
When SunPower’s solarisation program in Kurunegala got underway, it successfully powered
Thousands of households in Pansiyagama village as a joint venture between the National Housing and Development Authority (NHDA) and BP Solar Australia – a monumental moment for a country where solar power was virtually non-existent. This led to the largest rural based solar infrastructure project in the world, making massive breakthroughs in the rural healthcare system with NAPS Finland. Sunpower is also the company that connected the first 500kW grid tied solar system in Hambantota as a test project, along with the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Sustainable energy authority (SEA).
Sunpower also introduced solar technology to power the signalling infrastructure to support the then unpowered railway station deprived of grid power for the Sri Lanka Railways. SunPower has also designed, supplied and installed large scale solar rooftop systems at several universities, namely Peradeniya, Jaffna, Moratuwa Ruhuna, Batticaloa and the medical faculty in Sri Jayewardenepura , with research and development facilities funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
With more than 4000 installations, electricity from SunPower solar is ensuring a happier and healthier life for all Sri Lankans by providing essential facilities at, hospitals, schools, community centres and vocational training centres. “So far we have covered all districts from Hambantota to Jaffna in providing energy solutions,” said Rajendra.
Whilst solar power is at the heart of Sunpower, the Company also has a diverse service offering which includes a wide range of solutions for the home, industry and public. These include electric fencing for the safety of settlements and protection of wildlife, water supply to ensure public taps have a running supply of clean water with the help of solar-powered pumps, telecom infrastructure providing value-added transmission services to a number of telcos, and lightning protection, minimising damage during times of bad weather. “We are also the only company in Sri Lanka to provide daylighting systems together with our partners Solatube USA – this innovation uses a systems of tubular daylighting using breakthrough optical technology to capture the sun’s light and pipe pure, natural light indoors.”
Continuously pioneering the energy sector in Sri Lanka, Sunpower has engaged in the first ever wave energy project with Finland based AW-Energy, which is ranked number one in the world. It is estimated that wave energy will account for 10% of world energy demands in the future with an investment of $ 900 billion globally. “With over 2,000 clients and 4,000 installations across several sectors, our aim is to unlock Sri Lanka’s potential and harness our strategic position to move forward as a country. Good ideas and great technology know no boundaries. At Sunpower, we have and always believed that whatever the application, Sri Lanka deserves the latest and the best in technology.”
