SOLAR ENERGY IN KARNATAKA
More than 60,000
families in Karnataka are estimated to be using solar energy systems
for meeting their hot water, lighting, water pumping and other
requirements.
The solar energy
programmes in Karnataka are being implemented by the Karnataka
Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL), Bangalore, the Indian
Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and a few banks. The
Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources is providing financial
assistance for the installation of solar home systems, street
lighting systems, solar pumps, power plants, dish type and community
type solar cookers to individuals and non-profit organisations,
which include schools, hostels, hospitals, colleges and voluntary
organisations. Soft loan assistance is available for installation
of solar water heating systems through IREDA and a few banks.
The Ministry released
financial assistance of Rs.115.15 lakh and Rs.125.45 lakh for
installation of solar energy systems in Karnataka during 2001-02
and 2002-03 respectively.
KREDL has proposed
installation of 10,000 solar home systems, 1,000 solar street
lighting systems, 100 solar pumps, 50 nos. of dish type solar
cookers, 8 SPV power plants of 175 kWp aggregate capacity and
electrification of 50 remote villages in the state through solar
energy systems under the 2003-04 programme. KREDL is also organising
exhibitions on solar lighting systems, solar pumps, solar cookers
and solar water heaters all over the state.
