SHIVAMOGGA: The Social Welfare Department has decided to set up solar power units in hostels across the state, in order to ensure continuous power supply.
Because of the increasing frequency of power cuts in the state, students are finding it difficult to continue with their studies, especially during exams. The problem is worse this year as most of the power cuts are unscheduled.
The Social Welfare Department and SELCO Solar Pvt Ltd have decided to join hands through the MENDA Foundation of Bengaluru, to set up solar power units in state-run hostels.
An average hostel requires a minimum of eight to ten lights. If alternative energy sources are used to power hostels, there would not be any problem during power cuts.
But the department cannot afford the cost required to set up solar units for all hostels in the district. The participation and contribution of the public is also required, said sources.
SELCO assistant general manager Guruprakash told Express that SECLO was ready to extend a helping hand to set up solar power units in all hostels across the state.
“Out of the total cost, MENDA Foundation, a branch of SECLO, will bear 50 per cent of the cost. This will be decided after conducting a survey of hostels. On an average, a hostel which requires a minimum of eight lights, will require `48,000, of which 50 per cent of the total cost will be borne by the MENDA Foundation, and the rest by the department. However, the hostels must pay the annual maintenance of the solar power units for five years,” he added.
A survey has already been done in Shivamogga taluk, and it has been planned to set up solar power units in 50 hostels. All the hostels will be completed by May. Each hostel will require a minimum `40,000 for the project. SECLO has provided solar power to tent schools free of cost, he said.