Facing down what could be the most difficult winter since
the start of Russia's invasion. Some Ukrainians are rushing
to install new generating capacity. These solar panels on
a residential building in Kiev will help keep the heat
on and power flowing. For about 1000 families said
Valery Pindi who heads the building's housing association board.
Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure with
at least 11 major missile and drone strikes since March
. About half of Ukraine's generating capacity was knocked out
and distribution networks were also damaged. Estimates from the
key school of economics puts physical damage and financial losses
at more than 50$6 billion. Analysts say coping
strategies include more electricity imports from Ukraine's Western neighbors and
purchases of generators and alternative energy sources like solar panels
and batteries in Kiev. Daily. Blackouts of eight
hours are common and people plan their days around power
availability that's led some residents and businesses to seek generating
capacity outside the central system. Once the lights go
out the immediate fix for many is to turn on
generators. A temporary solution analysts said and one that
drives up costs said this key business owner, he
says using the generator means one kilowatt hour is nearly
5 to 6 times more expensive than usual. Serhiy
Kovalenko is the CEO of Jano which supplies electricity and
gas to more than 3.5 million consumers and up to
100,000 businesses. The company provides options that include solar
panels and accumulating batteries and inverters. Kovalenko said demand
is high and they've installed up to eight megawatts of
alternative energy options that's enough to supply around a dozen
enterprises. The company said Kovalenko said they expect to
install about 30 to 35 megawatts in the new year
. Official data shows that about 1.5 gigawatts of new
solar capacity has been installed but given Ukraine's needs and
the scale of wartime damage, such changes are only
the beginning. Dozens of finance programs supported by Kiev's
Western allies have been launched to shift Ukraine's energy mix
to a cleaner and more sustainable model. Legislative changes
were also introduced to simplify equipment purchases and imports.
Bindi said the cost of the solar panels on his
building was about$23,000 with the government and Kev municipality
helping offset about two thirds. Pindi says they plan
to install more panels on other buildings next year.