Rooftop solar expansion: Solar hits night-time demand ceiling
3,053 MW already installed against 3,000 MW night peak
Battery storage essential for further rooftop solar expansion
SEA says excess daytime generation must be stored for night use
Sri Lanka has already installed 3,053 MW of solar power, exceeding the country’s night-time peak electricity demand of around 3,000 MW and making battery storage essential for further expansion of rooftop solar generation, Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) Chairperson Dr Wijendra J. Bandara said.Speaking to The Daily Morning, he said the country could not continue generating electricity beyond what could be consumed at a given time, as excess generation could create problems for the national grid.He said daytime peak demand was even lower than the night-time peak of around 3,000 MW, creating a situation in which the existing solar capacity was already higher than what could be absorbed during certain periods.“We can generate only the amount that is being used. There is no point in generating more than that. If the amount generated exceeds consumption, there is a problem,” Dr Bandara said.
He said the issue could be addressed by storing excess electricity generated by solar systems during the day and using it after sunset, when electricity demand increases.“The only solution is to store the excess solar power generated during the day and to use it at night. That is why we are currently installing battery storage systems so that the solar power generated during the day can be used at night. That is happening at the moment,” he said.His comments came after the Electricity Consumers’ Association (ECA) questioned the SEA’s position on measures affecting the rooftop solar sector, alleging that the Authority had failed to intervene in programs being implemented by the Energy Ministry and electricity licensees.In a letter addressed to the SEA Chairperson and Director General on 30 September, ECA General Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika questioned why the Authority had not intervened despite its statutory responsibility to promote sustainable and renewable energy.
The Association said it opposed the SEA’s failure to carry out its responsibilities under the Electricity Act, No. 36 of 2024 and the SEA Act, No. 35 of 2007.
