Switch to renewable sources of energy, says forest minister

District In-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai has said that relying on renewable sources of energy, like solar power, would prove the best solution.

“ This Especially during the present days of power crisis,” he added, speaking at the installation of a roof-top solar energy unit at the residence of legislator Ivan D’Souza at Valencia.

The minister said that the demand for electricity was increasing, but the supply was low. “Under such circumstances, the Mescom and the Department of Energy are blamed for the power crisis. The solution, however, lies in our own hands as we can generate electricity for our domestic use and also contribute a significant amount of power to the Mescom grid by installing solar power units at home,” he explained.

Rai further said that the Department of Energy was encouraging generation of solar power at home especially in rural areas. “The agriculturists are taking interest in the scheme and initiative in installing solar panels on converted land, which is a good sign,” he added.

Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim, who inaugurated the solar power unit, said that banks were willing to provide loans for similar installations and requested citizens to utilise the scheme. “With modern technology, it is easier than before as the panels can be stuck on the walls, which would consume lesser space,” he explained.

The official also said that there were several opportunities for generation of solar power due to the favourable climate. “A five-kilo watt unit can be installed at an average-size household. Installing such units at each house would make it possible to have surplus energy which can make the district self-reliant in terms of supply of power,” he said.

Generation of solar power at households not only provides a solution to the power crisis but also brings revenue to the installer. The Mescom pays Rs 9.50 for a unit of electricity exported to its solar grid, from the household solar energy units and four to five units could be generated per day.

MLC Ivan D’Souza said that he had installed a solar power unit of 10-KW capacity at a cost of Rs 7.5 lakh. “Four to five units of electricity can be generated with the solar unit of one-KW capacity and the unit in the house is producing 40 units a day,” he said and added that electricity worth Rs 12,000 is generated by the unit per month. Mescom official Manjappa handed over a letter of agreement to the MLC.

MLA B A Mohiyuddin Bava, MCC Mayor Jacinta Vijaya Alfred and MUDA Commissioner Ibrahim Kodijal were present among others.