If you buy AC, install rooftop solar panel says energy secretary Rajesh Lakhoni

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu electricity minister Natham R. Viswanathan has said the state is to sign a power purchase agreement for procuring 2,000 MW solar power by this year-end. “ We will sign a PPA for 1,000 MW solar power by July end,” he said. The minister was participating in the inaugural of the 14th edition of the two-day conference Green Power 2015, organised by CII here.

The energy secretary, Rajesh Lakhoni, said the Tamil Nadu government was keen to make rooftop solar scheme a people’s movement like the rain water harvesting system.He called upon CII to request its members to put up at least a kilowatt capacity rooftop solar panels in their homes as it would go a long way in promoting use of solar energy. Mr Lakhoni requested air-conditioner manufacturers to sell the equipment with a solar panel too.

The cost of one kilowatt rooftop solar panel system would range between Rs 42,000 to Rs 60,000 after the State Government subsidy of Rs 20,000 and MNRE’s 30 per cent grant. He said rooftop solar panel users would be able to save energy charges to the tune of Rs10,000 per year. He said unlike other consumer appliances such as refrigerators and television sets, rooftop solar panel system was not being promoted.

Ramesh Kymal, chairman, Renewable Energy Council, CII-Godrej GBC, sought strict implementation of renewable purchase obligation either through amendment of the Electricity Act or Indian Penal Code with penalty for non compliance.