UP sops for solar water heaters

In order to popularise alternative methods of conventional energy, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced subsidy on solar water heating systems.

The scheme will be carried out through the Non-conventional Energy Development Agency (NEDA), a state government nodal agency for renewable energy.

Renewable energy is generated from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, geothermal heat and biomass which are renewable.

A subsidy of Rs 6,000 for Flat Plate Collectors (FPC) and Rs 5,000 for Evacuated Tube Collectors (ETC) in domestic use has been announced.

“Subsidy of such kind has been introduced for the first time. The state government is focused to promote solar water heater as an alternative option for heating water,” Ashok Kumar Srivastava, project manager, NEDA, told Business Standard.

NEDA works as a nodal agency, implementing programmes, creating awareness in general public by research and development and publicity of non-conventional devices in the field of renewable energy.

“This is an economically viable option as electricity cost is increasing day by day. The particular scheme is open for first 1000 bookings,” he added.

So far 135 applications have been enrolled under the on going scheme.

“The fact that there will be reduced availability of petroleum products in future should encourage people to adopt products of solar energy,” Srivastava said.

A solar expo was recently held in the city which showcased various solar water heating systems and other solar energy products. About 20 manufacturers from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad participated in the expo.

“Till date we have given about 70, 000 solar water heaters in the city. However motivation is necessary to divert people about alternative sources of energy, considering the fact that conventional fuel as limited life,” said Srivastava.

He further informed that under the latest decision of the state government, it has become necessary for the multistoried buildings, educational institutions, hostels etc. to install solar water heaters at their premises.