Monitoring Solar System in Thimphu

The project included the installation of Rooftop Solar PV at Centenary Farmer's Market (CFM) and Ground Mounted Solar Panels at Dechencholing in Thimphu. The first phase of the project completed in May-June, last year.

The Prime Minister Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering was the Chief Guest. Bhutan Solar Initiative Project (BSIP) set up under Royal Command has implemented two Solar PV Projects in Thimphu. 250kW Rooftop Centenary Farmers Market (CMF) and 500kW Ground mounted at Dechencholing.

The Dechencholing plant is expected to generate an annual electricity of 835,000 Units (kWHr) and a revenue of Nu 3.8 million. The panels cover a ground area of 1.2 acres. Soon the solar project is going to have a second phase. 500KV ground-mounted and grid-tied Solar PV project at Dechencholing Pema Dechen/Thimphu

Bhutan Solar Initiative Project (BSIP) aims towards achieving a sustainable energy supply for Bhutan through alternative renewable energy sources of solar grid integration. About 60 De-suups have been actively involved in th is six-month long project and have gained practical knowledge of installing solar PV systems through hands-on experience.

“We did the studies on renewable energy management master planning in 2016 and the reports say Bhutan has a capacity for 12 Giga watts of solar energy and 760 MW of wind so we have a lot to tap as there is a lot of opportunity for solar energy solar power to grow in Bhutan. There is a lot of potential and I think this is the right step.”

The first phase of the project completed in May-June, last year. In total, there are 393 panels at CFM and 784 solar panels at Dechencholing project site, generating approximately, 380000KW hour units in the last 7 months, generating an income of roughly Nu. 2.7 million. One panel can light about 32 light bulbs (of 20watt).