Solar Photovoltaics Electricity in Indonesia

Indonesia is composed of more than 15,000 islands including five larger ones (Java, Sumatera, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua) amongst which Java and Sumatera gather about 80% of the population (Adra et al., 2009). The Indonesian archipelago hence consists of many rural and remote areas where national electrical grid extension induces technical difficulties and is extremely costly. Despite this divided geography which has hampered the country electrification, “Indonesia has been able to extend electrical power to nearly 60 percent of its population” up to date (Adra et al., 2009).

More than 50% of the primary energy requirements of the Indonesian nation are provided by fossil fuels in spite of the country large potential for renewable energies: micro/mini hydro, biomass, geothermal, solar, and wind (Adra et al., 2009). Furthermore the fragmented topography and scattered population of Indonesia makes it particularly ideal for the implementation of off-grid (standalone) PV systems as a means for remote areas electrification (Retnanestri et al., 2003). In 2007, installed PV capacity in Indonesia was about 20MWp and a presidential decree from 2006 stated that measures would be taken so that the country PV capacity could reach about 80MWp in 2025 (Adra et al., 2009).

Since the 1980’s, many standalone PV systems fulfilling different functions have been installed throughout Indonesia essentially following governmental initiatives (Dasuki et al., 2001; Adra et al., 2009). Despite the diversity of applications, installed PV capacity in Indonesia is mainly used for lighting purposes (Retnanestri et al., 2003). The usual strategy followed to implement those systems is composed of three phases: a demonstration program, a multiple demonstration program and a dissemination program (Dasuki et al., 2001).

Social and engineering research carried out on installed off-grid PV systems in Indonesia (Retnanestri et al., 2003) concluded that introduction of the technology, in addition to its initial aim of providing electricity, can also:

• Strengthen the rural socio-economic culture by supporting existing economical generating activities.
• Develop environmentally friendly energy solutions by replacing the use of fossil fuels or fuel wood.
• Help people to earn their livehood by generating new economical activities (domestic PV industries and distributors, BOS manufacturers, PV second hand markets).

However to be fully sustainable, PV technology needs to be delivered in a proper institutional framework (government agencies, sponsoring bodies and local communities) allowing for adapted financial schemes, maintenance services (availability of spare parts and trained technicians) and adequate transfer of knowledge to local populations (Retnanestri et al., 2003).

Moreover in order to generalize the large-scale implementation of off-grid PV systems in Indonesia, deeper investigation in the following areas is still required (Retnanestri et al., 2003):

• Detailed assessment of population needs and requirements in order to provide flexible and adaptable PV solar panel modules systems with high degree of robustness.
• Consideration of proper maintenance and waste handling networks.
• Development of monitoring protocols and analyses of PV system performance.
• Cost benefit assessment of using PV instead of conventional electricity.
• Estimation of actual environmental impacts (CO2 mitigation, waste disposal, recycling).