(a) whether the Government proposes to amend the building bye- laws to install solar energy panels in all the Government buildings in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any policy has been formulated for promoting solar energy; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES (SHRI VILAS MUTTEMWAR)
(a)&(b): The Ministry of Urban Development have requested the State/Union Territory Governments to consider issuing suitable directives to the local bodies under their control for modifying the building bye-laws with a view to make the installation of solar water heating systems mandatory in certain categories of buildings. In order to assist the local bodies in this respect, a model regulation/bye-laws has also been circulated to all State and Union Territory Governments. The model regulation/bye-laws, when incorporated by the local bodies in their existing building bye-laws, will make it mandatory for those categories of buildings to have solar assisted water heating systems.
The Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Chattisgarh and Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Chandigarh have so far issued necessary orders to urban local bodies to make solar water heaters mandatory in functional buildings in their States.
(c) & (d): Deployment of solar energy devices and systems is being encouraged by providing financial assistance under various schemes besides other promotional measures and incentives. The schemes provide support for solar thermal systems and devices such as solar water heaters, solar cookers, solar dryers, solar air heating/steam generating systems, solar stills, etc. and solar photovoltaic systems and devices for lighting, water pumping, power generation, etc. Energy efficient solar buildings are also being promoted. Akshay Urja Shops are being established for sale and service of renewable energy products, including solar energy equipment. Training and awareness creation activities are also being supported.