GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) is exploring the increased use of a solar energy system, which has helped greatly reduce costs and electricity bills at the Bukit Dumbar Water Reservoir and Pumping Station Complex here.
Chief executive Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa, in a statement today, said the 1.5MWp, or peak Megawatt, system was installed by the state-based PSB Energy Sdn Bhd at no cost to PBAPP.
“Instead of paying for the system, PBAPP signed an agreement with PSB to pay a solar tariff of 30.5 sen/kWh for a period of 25 years. This solar tariff is lower than the commercial tariff imposed by Tenaga Nasional Bhd.”
He said the system used in Bukit Dumbar has led to savings on electricity bills of RM22,811 a month on average for PBAPP for a period of six months.
“Following the start of the system’s operations on July 31, 2020, PBAPP’s electricity cost decreased by RM136,868 for the period from August 2020 to January 2021, compared with the period from February 2020 to July 2020. The projected cost savings for a full year amount to RM273,732.”
PSB is responsible for the maintenance of the system throughout the term of the deal.
An online monitoring system has been installed at the site, said Jaseni, adding that in order to capture solar energy, a total of 4,586 photovoltaic solar panels were installed atop the Bukit Dumbar R2 and R3 covered reservoirs.
He said the panels convert solar energy into electricity that is channelled to a 415V/11kV power boost transformer.
“Electricity is then distributed to the power supply system for the Bukit Dumbar 1 and Bukit Dumbar 2 pumping stations.
“This way, the power generated using solar energy at the Bukit Dumbar Water Reservoir and Pumping Station Complex is used in the area for 24-hour treated water pumping operations.”
He added that PBAPP is looking at installing the system at other facilities in the state. – Bernama, March 23, 2021
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