The Goan: In Goa do individual consumers go for solarequipment? If yes, what type of them?
B Ranade: Yes. All new houses, small or big go for solarwater heater.
TG: What does your company B R Enterprises deal with?
BR: We deal with solar water system (solar heaters) andphoto voltaic panels for energy generation wind turbines. We provide aftersales services too. As a distributor for Racold Thermo Ltd, we are in themarket since 2001 and were recently felicitated by the Ministry ofNon-Conventional Energy at the hands of Farooq Abdulla for our achievements inthe field.
TG: How many types of solar equipment are there availablefor sale in Goa? How do they prove to be beneficial?
BR: Mainly two types. The saving of energy is 70 percent inone house. One electric heater consumes minimum 2 KW so if you stop using oneelectric heater you will allow the government to light 50 houses elsewhere.
TG: What is the effectiveness of going solar, in terms ofenvironment, conservation of energy, carbon footprint, pollution etc?
BR: 100 per cent no buts and ifs. The consumer has to choosea quality product and not any cheap (Chinese) dumps.
TG: Whether there are any subsidies or monetary discountsetc from the government to the buyers of this equipment and whether themanufacturers and dealers get any such benefit from the government?
BR: Yes, there are subsidies. Currently there is 30 percentsubsidy from the MNRE. This is on the spot for the consumer. The company claimsit later on.
TG: Is there any market in rural Goa?
BR: Goa is developing very fast. Huts are being convertedinto bungalows and money is not a problem. In other states solar is compulsoryor else you do not get occupancy certificate. This should also be implementedhere.
TG: Do you conduct any awareness drives for benefit ofconsumers?
BR: I have a demo van going around all over Goa. Theawareness is slowly reaching out to villages. Last May the Rotary Club ofMapusa donated 65 solar units to Pernem village through its ex-President SurajMantrawadi.
