Brunei to increase solar energy capacity

Considers different solar technologies and a feed-in tariff to boost solar energy production.

Among the solar technologies being considered by the Energy Department at the Prime Minister’s Office is the smart grid while the feed-in tariff or FIY is being considered to boost the use of solar energy.

With FIT, consumers who invest in rooftop solar panels will receive compensation for channeling excess power to the national grid. The Ministry of Energy said that FIT seeks to encourage people to participate in renewable energy. He noted that investing in rooftop solar is a wise investment that will provide reasonable returns in the end.

It noted that solar panels may have a 20 to 25 year lifecycle and that the invested capital may return to the investor within 10 years.

The ministry said 2012 has been an encouraging year in the energy sector. The outlook in 2013 is to surpass the initial target of creating 1,600 jobs in the renewable energy sector.