Cost effectiveness of sustainable electricity consumption in domestic buildings

Abstract

Saving electricity has become a challenge in Sri Lanka due to the warmer climates prevailing throughout the years and it has become a major requirement to have fans and air conditioners occupied in most of the houses. That may effect to electrical consumption and the monthly electricity bill. However, in order to reduce electrical consumption in domestic buildings there are some methods which can be adopted in practice. This study has covered areas of cost effectiveness of solar electrical installation systems and importance of sub-metering houses along with benefits of using light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs instead of using compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and incandescent (filament) bulbs. Data collection carried out through interviews and questioner surveys with customers and suppliers of solar electrical installations. After analysing the data gathered, even with a highly initial cost, solar electricity installations can be considered as a cost-effective method. Furthermore, specifications and details gathered on CFL, LED and filament bulbs proved LED bulbs are more cost effective than other bulbs for the same illumination level. This study also revealed that sub metering a house under the rules and regulations of Electricity Board is another cost-effective method where a house owner can adopt in their houses.