Surprising though it may seem, demand for solar panels is on the rise in North Korea as an increasing number of residents enter the New Year hoping to secure their energy supplies. North Korea’s chronic electricity shortages and blackouts have continued unabated under the reign of Kim Jong Un, with many residents living in darkness as a result of decades of neglect.
“In the past, owning solar panels wasn’t common, so people would give food or money to owners of solar panels in exchange for a battery recharge,” explained a source from Ryanggang Province in a telephone call to Daily NK on February 2nd.
“But these days, more and more people are planning to purchase their own solar panels. Asking for a charge is somewhat embarrassing, so residents are willing to reduce their food purchases in order to save up. They’re telling themselves, ‘This year, I’m definitely going to buy one!’”
According to the source, 30 Watt units are selling for about 235,000 KPW (approximately 29 USD), while 50 Watt units sell for about 300,000 KPW (approximately 37 USD) at Hyesan City’s Agricultural Market. This is the equivalent of between 50 to 70 kilograms of rice, which is considered a fortune by most ordinary North Koreans.
“Many people are planning to spend frugally so they can save up and purchase a solar panel. After that, they can have access to energy whenever they please,” the source said.
The report underscores the inability of the authorities to address the country’s energy problems. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emphasized the need to continuously produce electricity while performing site guidance at power plants. However, ordinary residents have not experienced any tangible improvements under the new leader’s tenure.
Instead of being shared amongst the population, the energy produced in the state’s power plants is first directed towards Kim family estates, idolization buildings, munitions factories, military buildings and installations, state agencies, and the city of Pyongyang. Understanding their place in the pecking order, residents are now relying on their own methods to meet their energy needs.
“A few years ago, solar panels were mostly installed in government buildings, the more successful state-owned enterprises, and some trading companies. But now you can see panels set up in many people’s homes. Demand is up, and stalls at the Hyesan Market and Wiyon Market are packed with units to sell,” a separate source in Ryanggang Province said.
“The people who have solar panels use them to light up their homes and for various other electrical appliances like rice cookers. Some people are motivated to buy the panels so they can watch South Korean movies.”
“Some residents are reportedly commenting that those who listen to what the regime says don’t turn out so well. But those who trust the markets fare much better. They can get money and electricity through the markets,” she added.
“Seeing some people using the solar panels to light their homes has prompted the observation that ‘capitalism has defeated socialism.’ The regime says that capitalism is bad in propaganda, but residents snort with laughter when they hear it.”
