Bangalore has Mega Plans for Solar Energy

By Narsi Santhanam • Sep 25th, 2009 • Category: Uncategorized

After making it compulsory for new buildings to use solar water heaters, the Karnataka state government now plans to install solar panels in major state buildings and public utilities. Bangalore is the leading city in India for the use of solar water heaters, with usage of 60% of household and industrial units using solar water heaters.

The city currently faces a shortage of 300-500 MW. Under the recently announced solar city project, the state government is now planning to install photovoltaic panels with a capacity of 2-5 KW on rooftops of over 10,000 houses, for use by the locality, with the rest to be pumped to the state grid.

The Karnataka state is also proposing solar power to operate street lights, drinking water supply and in government buildings. There is also a proposal to power streetlights and park lights with solar panels.

Now whether these will solve Bangalore’s power problems in the near future is anyone’s guess. But this goes to prove that only when you start getting hurt badly, you start acting.

About the Author

Narasimhan (Narsi) has extensive experience in understanding renewable energy markets and strategic levers for success in these markets. His special focus has been his work on the Indian renewable energy industry. His work in the previous 15 years have spanned market and industry research, product management and international sales, and strategic consulting. see more http://www.eai.in/ref/team/ns.html

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