VIJAYAWADA: The demand for solar units in households and among small traders in Krishna district is increasing day by day. A majority of the people are coming forward and applying for different solar equipment. Right from solar pump sets to solar inverters, almost all solar units are gaining popularity among the public.The future capital Amaravati region is also being equipped with solar rooftop installations. As both the State and Central government is offering solar units at a subsidised rate, charging just 20-40 per cent of the entire unit cost, more people are showing interest in establishing solar units.
As on date in Krishna district, total 231 solar units have been installed which generate 2.432 mega units of power.
In 2017 alone, district officials have received over 300 applications for setting up rooftop solar plants.
Initially, APSPDCL officials expected that only 6,206 kilowatts of electricity can be produced though the 231 solar units. But by August end, officials achieved their target with around 180 solar units and the applications are still pouring in.To install a solar rooftop power house, one needs to fill an application form mentioning the entire needs of the family, number of electronic appliances used, etc.
After the infrastructure is set up, officials from the electricity department visit the place and synchronise the solar top units with the grid, making it ready for use.
This way, over 230 solar units have been synchronised with the grid and are in use till date.
From all the solar top units, 2,764 KW of energy is being produced, where each solar unit produces around 5-20 kilowatt.Speaking to Express, Srinivas, Assistant Engineer Vijayawada circle said, “People in Krishna district are approaching us to know more about the modus operandi of the solar energy production. Earlier, solar energy was restricted only to water heaters and some lighting stuff. But now, with new technology and proper guidance, one can use them for fulfilling the needs of an entire house and for all electrical appliances. Infact, we are purchasing energy from the households if they have an excess amount.”
The household or the individuals who are producing energy through solar tops can sell the excess energy to the electricity department as the unit gets synchronised with the power grid.
The department is paying around Rs 5.13 for each unit while purchasing energy from the individuals.
B Sulochana Prasad, an existing user said, “Setting up a solar unit is not a big hurdle as the government is giving subsidy to the users.” Prasad added, “With time, one gets used to this and once established, it is very easy to operate. We don’t have any sort of power cuts and in winters, the excess energy is sold to the department. People in the surroundings see us like electricity producers and we feel very happy being a part of a change.”