Few take advantage of solar power despite cost benefits

Few take advantage of solar power despite cost benefits
Perception Of Large Investment Puts People Off
Jayashree Nandi | TNN

Bangalore: Like all of us, T L Madhu, a marketing professional, was fed up of frequent power cuts and hefty bills. He then hit upon a solution that promised to end his electricity woes. Solar energy. Apart from a water heater, he got solar-powered lights fitted in all the rooms of his Banashankari II Stage house. For just Rs 28,000, Madhu bought five lights, wiring, panels and batteries.
Enthused by his success, his inlaws and many neighbours have switched to solar power. “It was a time when there were daily power cuts and I thought, why not use energy that is available all the time. The set-up we have here is almost maintenance-free. We save Rs 400 on electricity bills too. My mother uses only solar-powered lights in her rooms. She doesn’t switch on the tubelight at all,” Madhu explains during a tour of his house.
His mother adds, “As we prefer hot water baths due to the chilly Bangalore weather, the solar water heater has worked well for us.’’
The city is ideal for harnessing the potential of solar power because of the large number of independent houses here and favourable weather conditions. According to the Karnataka renewable energy department, the optimum temperature for photovoltaics — the technology behind solar lighting — is 25 degrees Celsius. Bangalore’s weather is perfect as we get light for 330 out of 365 days here, said V Ramesh, deputy general manager, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd.
What sounds like a unique initiative, however, is a rule that’s hardly followed. The government has made solar heating and lighting mandatory, apart from rainwater harvesting, in all new constructions. But even regular load-shedding has not inspired Bangaloreans to think of alternative, sustainable options.
Solar power is generated more easily and better utilized when it is done on an individual basis. Solar water heaters are widely used but other options have not been tapped. “Families staying in independent houses can easily set up solar panels. As roofs are used for social purposes here, not many are keen on the idea. There’s also a perception that solar power-generation is unaffordable,” said Harish Hande, CEO of a solar power company.
“One 75-watt panel occupies just 1x0.5 square metres. Families with decent disposable income can easily set them up, but not many opt for this environment-friendly options,” Ramesh added.
On the other hand, rural Karnataka has gained appreciation from around the world for its progressive solar-electrification schemes. Twenty-one villages have been electrified at subsidized rates by KREDL and 16 electrified for free.
LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE
You could go in for a basic set-up of 4 lights. This includes a 74-watt panel, four 11-watt CFL lights, an 80 AH battery and a charge controller — an electronic device that controls the charging capacity of the battery. The panel fixed at an elevated position on your roof absorbs the solar energy throughout the day and is stored in the battery. This energy is used as electricity to light the four CFL lights.
Harnessing solar power for 4-6 lights, one TV and fans will cost Rs 80,000 upwards. This set-up will include a 100-150 watt solar panel, inverter and wiring.