Power crisis pushes people to buy solar panels

ISLAMABAD

The power crisis in the twin cities has compelled its dwellers to install solar systems to enjoy uninterrupted power supply.
Like other parts of the country, hours-long load shedding is being carried out in the twin cities. The residents are looking for alternative sources to run home appliances. The sale of solar energy systems has registered an increase in the electronic markets of twin cities.
Muhammad Usman, an industrialist, told this subscriber that solar panels were now increasingly being recognised by industrial users in the twin cities as a cost-effective alternative to diesel generators and more reliable than gas-fired generators.
The dwellers have installed the solar panels on the roofs of their houses to operate home appliances during power outages.
“The solar panel that I installed at my home last week provides 24-hour electricity,” Abdul Rauf Abbassi, a resident of I-10 said.
Subhan Ali, a university student, who had installed the solar energy panel at his residence, said that he was satisfied with its performance, as now they faced no power cuts. He said it was little a bit expensive but was sufficient for their needs.
Tahir Malik, who deals in solar panels in Saddar Area of Rawalpindi, said he started selling the devices last summer and its sale had picked up over the last two months. “The price of a solar panel has doubled due to price hike,” he said. He added he sold six to seven solar panels daily.
Describing its benefits, an electrician Mubashir Ali said that during the day the system provided power and simultaneously charged the batteries through UPS for its use at night.