Govt to miss target under solar mission: STFI

The newly-formed industry body Solar Thermal Federation of India (STFI) today said the target fixed by the government under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) would not be achieved.

"Against the target of 20 million square metre under the JNNSM, it is realistic to achieve about 18.7 million square metres," STFI Chairman and CEO of TATA-BP Solar K Subramanya said in the first interaction of the body with media here.

At present, the installed capacity in the country is about 3.5 million square metres which could be scaled up to seven million square metres by 2013 and to 15 million square metre by 2017 at max, he said.

Outlining the main hurdles Subramanya said, "There is need for a big awareness programme to promote solar thermal products like water heaters and cookers."

Besides, he said, "Some banks are providing finance for buying solar thermal products. This should be brought under the priority sector lending for all public and private banks."

The STFI claimed that players controlling about 75 per cent of market have come together to form this body, which would not only promote solar water heating usage but promote other applications too.