(a) whether any proposal has been envisaged for solar energy being supplied to the various cities of the country per year; and
(b) if so, the percentage of solar energy provided to Nashik district of Maharashtra annually during each of the last 3 years?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES (SHRI M. KANNAPPAN)
(a): Solar energy products such as water heaters, solar lights, solar pumps and solar cookers are being promoted in the country by the Ministry through various schemes. Amongst these technologies, solar water heaters are finding increasing application in urban areas. For promoting the wider use of this technology, the following steps have been taken:
- a soft loan scheme is being implemented through Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and a few designated banks to help finance the purchase of such systems by users.
- a model amendment to building bye-laws for making solar assisted water heating systems mandatory has been circulated to all states. To encourage municipalities / corporations to amend their building bye laws, a scheme to provide grants has been introduced.
(b): A number of solar energy systems have been installed in Nashik district. However, the energy generated by these systems is not yet significant compared to the total energy consumed in the district. Based on the available information, the number of solar energy systems installed in Nashik district during the last three years is estimated as follows:
System/year 99-00 2000-01 2001-02
Solar water heaters (litres per day) 4000 10700 25375 Solar cookers (nos.) 10 10 30 Solar street lights (nos.) - 10 15 Solar home lighting systems (nos.) 18 28 15 Solar lanterns (nos.) 243 71 60