EDL (Electricite du Liban), the local state-controlled company managing the power resources of the country, find it difficult to meet the needs of the entire population. People then appeal to the holders of power generators (mostly in a monopoly or oligopoly context) who can blackmail their clients, powerless in front of such situation.
It seems therefore urgent that the consumer takes charge of its own "power" destiny in order to no longer be at the mercy of unscrupulous suppliers.
The installation of a solar water heater in Lebanon is an effective way to combine ecology, economy and energy independence. It is made up of thermal solar panels (4 sq. meters) and a hot water tank (200 liters). This standard is appropriate for a household of 5 persons. During 6 months, the solar water heater is 100% operational while the remaining 6 months, it provides approximately 70% of the hot water needs of a family of 5 persons. The system is thus efficient.
Indeed at the economic level first, according to several studies, 25% of the electricity consumption of a Lebanese household is devoted to its hot water requirements. Knowing that the price of a solar water heater is estimated at $1000, studies carried out in Lebanon showed that the payback of the investment is estimated at 5 years while the equipment can work at least 20 years (LAU study in 2005).
Each square meter receives more than 2000 kWh per year in Lebanon. This is higher than the Spanish average, estimated at 1700 kWh/year. But in Spain, any new housing is required (it's in the law) to install a solar water heater. Why not do the same and even more in Lebanon?
In addition the installation of solar water heaters (on a large-scale) is helping EDL by sparing the construction of new costly power plants and thus in principle, maintaining electricity prices "affordable". Because the cost of electricity production in Lebanon is strongly linked to imported fuel oil whose price is set to increase "irreversibly" over the years. Hence the urgent need to act before it is too late.
This approach is especially beneficial for the country as a whole that it will increase the share of electricity production from its own resources, initiating a first step toward energy independence of Lebanon.
Indeed if we are looking at the local production of electricity, Lebanon produces less than 10% of its electricity through water power. Solar energy could be added to this part of energy independence at about 10% (government estimation) only with the installation of solar water heaters in all houses of the country. Thus by opting massively for this technology, the citizen contributes to the lightening of the pressure on EDL while reducing energy, and hence economic and political, dependence of Lebanon vis-a-vis neighboring countries. Those are our major suppliers of electricity and fuels (oil and gas) required for the functioning of our power stations.
The future of the country depends on the democratization of such technologies because once aware of this potential, people will naturally be asking for it. Local media can play an important role for public awareness on the positive effects associated with renewables. Just as the state may catalyze the acquisition on citizen scale of solar water heater, whether through a mechanism of grants or by the enactment of a law more engaged in this field.
But ultimately, it's up to us to make the decision.
Source: Ya Libnan Exclusive
Tags: EDL, electricity, energy, Environment, Lebanese American University, Solar, Solutions
