New Rule on Crystalline Silicon PV Issued
MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES
PRESS RELEASE
NUMBER: 063.Pers/04/SJI/2021
Date: 20 February 2021
New Rule on Crystalline Silicon PV Issued
Regulation of Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Number 2 of 2021 on standards for crystalline silicone photovoltaic modules has been issued to ensure consumer safety and protection, Director of Various New Energy and Renewable Energy of Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR), Chrisnawan Anditya, has said at Energy Collaboration Series held virtually on Friday (19/2).
"Suppose someone wants to install a solar power system, but the componets sold on the market do not comply with the standards or requirements, then the consumer will be harmed by this practice," said Chrisnawan.
Chrisnawan went on to say that crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules must meet the Indonesia National Standard (SNI) as proven by an affixed SNI mark. "This is a common practice in international world and refers to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)," he said.
The SNI sets out the requirements and test procedures as applied worldwide. "If an SNI mark is affixed, consumers are convinced that a specific solar power product has passed testing and control processes, so product quality is guaranteed," he said.
Both producers and importers must apply for SNI certification. Importers include business entities that import crystalline silicon PV to be marketed in the country and official representatives of foreign producers.
The Indonesian government has given solar power development a top priority to catch up with the 23% renewable energy target by 2025. Indonesia's solar energy potential and speedy construction of solar power systems are the main considerations of the decision. "Indonesia has solar energy potential of 207.8 Giga Watt (GW), and current use is only 153 Mega Watt. Next, solar power plants can be built and installed relatively quickly, about one year only," said Chrisnawan.
Still, another consideration is efficient and competitive cost of technology. "The price has dropped drastically. In 2013, energy price from solar power plant was 20 cent dollar (per kWh), then it has fallen to about 10 cent dollar in the last five years, and Cirata Solar Power Plant can offer 5.81 cent. Recently, a number of investors can even offer price at 4 cent," Chrisnawan explained.
According to Chrisnawan, a lower price has been due to a number of factors, including globally declining cost of technology, greater market penetration, tender mechanism, and ease of getting license. "If more and more people install solar PV, component price will lower. Ease of getting license will also reduce cost," he added.
Lower cost is expected to attract investors to solar power plant development. "We hope this is a positive signal for investors because the cost to develop solar power plants is lower," Chrisnawan concluded. (IY)
Head of Bureau of Communication, Public Information Services, and Cooperation
Agung Pribadi (08112213555)