Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic-based Clean Development Mechanism for Sri Lanka

Abstract

Solar energy is the most abundant energy source in the world. It can play a vital role in meeting our energy needs. Sri Lanka being a country that is located near the equator has a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 1,247 kWh/m 2 to 2106 kWh/m 2 creates an excellent photovoltaic power potential. Implementation of rooftop solar PV installation projects can contribute towards reducing the carbon footprint. CO2 (e) emission savings could be traded according to the Kyoto GHG protocol bringing financial benefits to the country. This paper presents a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) for Sri Lanka through a rooftop solar PV installation project in the Western Province. The results show that 68.83 km² of an effective area for 14.92 GW of installed capacity generating 26.15 TWh annually. This could result in reducing around 20.4 MtCO2e of carbon dioxide emissions, earning US$ 78 million of foreign currency per annum.