“Germany uses 30 per cent of its energy needs through non-conventional energy sources though the solar energy is very less there. On the other hand we in Bangalore have great solar resource, which needs to be tapped,” K Jairaj, Principal Secretary to the Energy Department, told reporters here on Tuesday.
In this regard, a policy has to be framed at the State level, the officer said, adding that talks are on to implement it in the next five years.
“We had discussions with Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) chief Arunachalam who is working in this direction. The cost has not been discussed yet. It may cost at least Rs one lakh for a solar unit generating 1 Kilo-Watt power,” said Jairaj. This investment can address the need of a family of five, he added.
He backed the KPTCL’s move of making the solar water heater mandatory for the new houses to get permanent electricity connection.
National saving
“The solar water heater has saved at least 200 MW of power everyday in Bangalore. This is a national saving by the citizens,” Jairaj said. He said the State government will formulate a new policy for the renewable energy according to which by 2013 renewable energy will be used in a big way. The policy will deal with educating the masses, publicity drive and sharing information. Subsidy for the early birds will also be the part of the policy.