Going solar

During the recent voting, the California Energy Commission voted 5-0 in favour of the legislation under which it will be mandatory for all new houses and buildings – up to three storeys – to install solar panels by 2020. This is a commendable initiative that will boost the share of renewable energy production. Pakistan should also follow suit and introduce the same laws to promote the use of solar energy in the country. Going solar has tremendous benefits, especially for a developing country like ours .The geographical position of Pakistan is ideal for the country to use the sun as a source of energy. Solar energy is not only cheap, but it is also eco-friendly.

Solar panels can be installed on buildings and houses, and there will be no need for deforestation as is required in building a new power plant. We can carry out this step by encouraging the use of solar panels in government housing schemes. After obtaining favourable results, solar panels should be made mandatory in privately-owned residential and commercial plots. Although this idea is a bit intriguing and requires a large amount of capital, in the years to come, all of us will enjoy its benefits in the form of low power cuts, lesser bills and a healthier environment.

Mohammad Khalid Bhatti

Rawalpindi