SOLAR ENERGY IN KARNATAKA

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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.