Application of Photovoltaic (PV) Power System in Indonesia

Noting the success of Saudi Arabia in applying the PV power plant as a supplier of electrical energy for lighting tunnels, Indonesia can also emulate that success when the seriousness of the government of Indonesia in this field. Indonesia's population of around 220 million, most of who live in rural areas and many are not getting access to electrical energy. So we need a policy to encourage the provision of electric energy to rural communities in particular.

Energy is one important factor in increasing economic activity. With the availability of energy, opportunities for productive activities by utilizing the potential and local resources quite a lot. This in turn will boost the economy and reduce poverty.

Therefore, the need of a policy that could encourage the provision of electric energy to rural communities in particular. Policies include funding policy. Necessary policy, among others, by providing subsidies, fiscal incentives and various convenience facilities. Based on comparative studies, the authors consider it necessary that a comprehensive policy by the government in the development of rural energy.

The Indonesian government has sought to provide energy to rural communities, especially electricity. The government has launched a program go into villages and even electric power generation program of local resources such as solar power. But all that was not enough, because there are still many rural areas, especially in remote areas not reached because of the difficulty of the terrain and the cost and investment required.
Implementation of PLTS by BPPT begins with the installation of 80 units of PLTS (Solar Home System, Solar Power Generation Systems for Home Lighting Lamp) in Sukatani Village, West Java in 1987. After that in 1991 the project continued with the assistance of President (Banpres Solar Power Village entrance) for the installation of SHS 3445 units in 15 provinces considered feasible in terms of requirements (not covered by PLN), the ability of local communities (payment in installments) and the requirements other technical.
Banpres Program Solar Village Sign which have obtained very encouraging response from the rural communities and has been shown to work well will be used as a model for implementation of the Program for the Million Solar Power House.

This program is one effort to achieve the target of the Government in power spread throughout rural and remote areas of Indonesia with the national electrification ratio above 75 percent. The amount of the investment cost per unit for PLTS is encouraged to seek funding BPPT financing and make the management and funding patterns. This pattern is constantly changing in line with prevailing Government policy.