Monday, October 28, 2013: Central’s government’s ministry of renewable energy has given its nod to the UT administration to equip solar energy plants atop private houses, however, the number has been curtailed at 230 from 300.
Santosh Kumar, director, science and technology, IT and conservator of forests said, “We received the nod last week. Public notices will be issued and if more than 230 residents opt for the facility, we will hold draw of lots.”
Depending on the space of houses, solar plants of three categories, 1 kilowatt, 2 kilowatt and 3 kilowatt will be provided. Reportedly, 1 kilowatt plant needs 100 square feet area and has the ability to generate 1,300 to 1,400 units of electricity in a year.
Kumar told TOI, “The cost of the 1KW plant will be roughly around Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.40 lakh with battery. A resident will get 30 per cent subsidy. Tenders for the same will be advertised within a week for selecting competent companies and later impanel them from where people could buy the equipment.”
Two firms will be chosen for equipment supply, revealed sources close to the matter. Moreover, a team assigned from UT’s science and technology department will be reviewing the specification and technical qualities of the products before allotting them tenders.
The TOI report said, “The Centre had selected Chandigarh and Nagpur as model solar cities, asking officials to equip government and private buildings with solar plants. At a panel discussion as part of TOI campaign, ‘Chandigarh-Back to the Future’, on June 9, UT administrator Shivraj Patil said the solar city project was a priority agenda for the administration and would be pursued aggressively.”
