|
Energy Scene in India:
In India, anything tangible or intangible, that costs
money is evaluated and used very carefully. This means
expenses are controlled and kept as low as possible.
The scenario in energy consumption in India is no different.
It is not surprising that the per capita energy consumption
figures are very low in spite of the high rate of development
now taking place. The per capita consumption in India
is in the region of 400 KWH per annum.
Renewable Energy Scenario in India:
India is blessed with abundance of sunlight, water and
biomass. Vigorous efforts during the past two decades
are now bearing fruit, as people in all walks of life
are more aware of the benefits of renewable energy.
In 1982, the Government of India created
the Department of Non-conventional Energy Sources (DNES),
and in 1992 a full-fledged Ministry of Non-conventional
Energy Sources was established. Today, India has the
world’s largest program for renewable energy.
Why use solar?
Solar energy is amply adequate for all the conceivable
energy needs of the world, it is the power source of
the near future and is certain to work. Switching to
solar helps save energy and money, protect our beautiful
and delicate environment, and reduce our dependence
on fossil fuels.
The energy from the sun can be used
for various purposes, from water heating, cooking and
pool heating to electric power generation for lighting,
etc.
Solar water heaters (SWHs) have proved
the most popular so far. A conservative estimate of
solar water heating systems installed in the country
is over 475000 sq. meters of the conventional flat plate
collectors. Solar water heaters are cost competitive
in most applications when you account for the total
energy costs over the life of the system. Although the
initial cost of the heater is higher than that of the
conventional water heaters, the fuel (sunshine) is free.
More important are the long-term benefits, such as cushioning
from future fuel shortage and price increases, and environment
benefits.
For example, a 125 liters SWH System
costs Rs. 17,000/- with energy saving up to Rs. 10,000/-
a year. The cost of a 50 liters Bajaj electrical geyser
is Rs. 7,000/- versus a 50 liters SWH System that costs
Rs. 9,000/-. Further SWH Systems are eligible for finance
from most nationalized banks at 5% interest p.a. for
up to 85% of the system cost. Thus the monthly EMI payable
to the bank is less than the monthly electricity cost,
when using an electrical geyser, making the system almost
free.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) for decentralized
power supply are fast becoming popular in rural and
remote areas. Today, solar PV systems are at work converting
the suns radiation directly to electricity. PV generated
power has three main advantages over all other types
of remote power generation:
|
