Solar energy equipment are gaining popularity and finds use in various sectors such as the government, energy development and private users
Global warming is becoming a serious issue and naturalsources of energy are gradually depleting from the surface of the earth. Thesun still is the ultimate and alternate source of bountiful and unending sourceof solar energy. Why not tap this free offer
Solar energy can be utilised in more ways than one and inhundreds of appliances. In Goa there are shops selling exclusive solarequipment which are slowly gaining popularity as they not only replace and saveelectricity but also reduce the carbon foot and help in reducing huge electricity bills. The lesserconsumption of electricity is advisable in states like Goa, which is notself-sufficient in electricity as it does not generate it and buys from otherstates.
Karnataka has made it mandatory for new buildings to havesolar water heaters compulsorily or else the building does not get electricityconnection. The Karnataka government has cut 10 per cent on electricity forthose consumers who install solar water heaters. Is there any such plan in theoffing for the Goan consumers?
The work to construct the first Renewable Energy Park in thestate of Goa was commenced by the Goa Energy Development Agency in March 2011at Margao with the Centre contributing Rs 2 crore for the same but an objectionby local bodies put a halt on this project that would otherwise have proved tobe a positive step towards a green Goa.
“Global climate change is a global phenomenon and Goa shouldbe seriously planning to combat the electricity paucity as we are notself-sufficient in generating electricity,” says Mario Abreu from Surya AkshayUrja Shop in Margao. The shop offers government subsidy to consumers who buysolar heating systems and solar cookers.
“An awareness campaign is the need of the hour. Thegovernment can make it compulsory for the new houses the use of CFL or LEDbulbs as they last long and do not contribute to global warming. Use of solarcookers in the rural areas can go a long way in saving energy, money and theenvironment,” opines Pradip Naidu, an electrical engineer in Margao.
“Though the initial cost seems to be high, there are manylong term benefits of solar products. For example, solar heating systems offerselectric backup in monsoons. One can use solar heater for 325 days duringsunshine. When there is no sunshine in monsoons, one can use electricity tocharge or start the heater. This is the advantage of solar heating systems,”explains Abreu.
Pressure cookers, improved kerosene stoves, improvedsmokeless chulhas, compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), light/fan, lantern etccould be used in rural homes to cut down the electricity bills and tocontribute towards making a greener earth. Renewable energy based communityproducts such as solar street lights, biomass gasifier, biogas plant, hybrid(solar + wind) power systems, solar water pump, battery operated vehicles go along way in conserving energy and cutting costs.
Solar water heating system, solar wind generators, solarphotovoltaic lighting systems, solar thermal systems, small wind electricgenerators, solar PV wind hybrid systems, solar power plants, energy saving andsecurity devices – there are a number of utility products that could be used athomes, residential colonies orcommercial establishments.
The government subsidies available at governmentapproved Akshay Urja shops help reduce the burden of solar power.
