Hot Weather Can Raise Electricity Bills; Rooftop Solar Power Offers a Solution

As Indonesia grapples with soaring electricity bills driven by increased air conditioner use during the dry season, rooftop solar power (PLTS) is emerging as a viable solution. Deon Arinaldo, Program Director for Energy System Transformation, notes that PLTS has been an option for households for years, but regulatory and tariff structures have not been sufficiently attractive to encourage investment.

Arinaldo explained that while many countries see electricity tariff hikes, Indonesia's relatively stable rates have lessened the perceived savings from PLTS investment. Government subsidies for PLN also keep tariffs affordable. However, the dry season presents an ideal scenario for solar power generation due to higher sunlight intensity and longer daylight hours, which boost production despite higher temperatures.

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Rooftop solar power has been a solution since years ago and was an option for household installation. However, the regulatory conditions and electricity tariffs in Indonesia do not really support the continued promotion of rooftop solar power in households.

Illustrative data from Surabaya shows PLTS production can reach 4,000 to 5,000 watt-hours per kilowatt installed daily between May and September, significantly more than during the rainy season. This aligns with the government's goal to develop 100 gigawatts of solar energy, utilizing existing rooftops to rapidly expand national solar capacity without needing new land.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is reportedly considering updated PLTS regulations to better accommodate various customer groups, including households. Arinaldo suggests reconsidering the electricity export scheme to the PLN grid or offering installation incentives could further promote adoption.

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Efficiency does decrease, but not significantly. What is far more decisive is the intensity of sunlight.