Hifsa Raja

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) along with Pakistan Council of Renewable Energy Technology (PCRET) has collaborated with the Republic of Korea for the establishment of Pak-Korea Testing Laboratory for PV-Modules and Allied Equipment.

Dr. Afzal Hussain Kamboh, Director (PV) and head of Solar (PV) Division and advanced photovoltaics lab PCRET, told WealthPK that solar panel imports are growing by the day, necessitating the establishment of a testing and quality control body for solar panels. The MoST had decided to make a testing laboratory.

‘‘There are two organizations dealing with renewable energy. One is Pakistan Council of Renewable Energy Technology (PCRET) which comes under the Ministry of Science and Technology. And the other is the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) which comes under the Power Division of the Ministry of Energy. The AEDB deals with the installation of energy projects whereas PCRET deals with technical aspects like the testing of solar panels and its approval. That’s why this laboratory is made under the Ministry of Science and Technology,’’ he added.

Dr. Afzal said, ‘‘During the Covid-19 pandemic, solar panel imports started with 1,500 to 2,000 megawatts. Currently, Pakistan imports have reached 2,500 megawatts per year. Importing solar panels can be highly successful because we are a sunbelt nation and get a plenty of light. It will be economically viable,’’ he said. Talking about installation of solar panels, Dr Afzal said a single home could easily meet its energy needs if solar panels are installed on the rooftop.

‘‘Compared to generators and fossil fuel-based power plants that require monthly imports of expensive diesel and oil, installation of a solar system is a one-time investment that gives continuing benefits for more than 25 years without incurring any extra costs. The federal government has also scrapped tax on the import of solar panels to promote renewable energy,’’ he added. Dr Afzal said Federal Secretary for Science and Technology Ghulam Muhammad Memon had recently inaugurated Pak-Korea Testing Laboratory for PV-Modules and Allied Equipment.

ROK Ambassador Sangpyo Suh and Director General of the PCRET Dr. Syed Attaur Rehman had worked together for the building of testing laboratory for promotion of renewable energy. The Pakistan Council of Renewable Energy Technology is establishing solar panel testing laboratory under the project titled “Establishment of PAK-KOREA Testing Laboratory for PV Modules and Allied Equipment”. The solar panel testing laboratory is being established under a grant-aid project from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) amounting to 9.5 million USD and local Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) share of Rs71.629 million.

The testing laboratory is planned to achieve the status of Certification Body Testing Laboratory (CBTL) in collaboration with the Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). The testing laboratory after completion will be the first testing laboratory of the country having the CBTL status. The KOICA will construct the testing laboratory and provide, install and commission all the required equipment for the solar panel testing. It will also provide one-year training to the PCRET employees for smooth operation of the project during and after its completion. Obtaining of international certifications, including IEC-61215 and IEC-61730 along with ISO-17025, will also be sponsored and facilitated by the Korean side.

The PCRET will provide all the local support required for execution of the project along with 8 kanals of space for the project at Plot no. 55, Street 7, Sector H-8/4, Islamabad. It will also ensure involvement of its employees to seek training during the project and ensure its execution and operation after its completion. The PSQCA has already initiated the process for adding solar panels to the list of its declared mandatory items. Therefore, it will ensure partial testing of sample from each import consignment of solar panels through the newly established CBTL. The CBTL will also offer its services to national and international private sector.

The establishment of solar panel testing laboratory with the CBTL status will go a long way towards ensuring a comprehensive and reliable quality control mechanism of solar panels in the country. The project is expected to be completed by December 2024.

Independent News Pakistan-Wealthpk