In a effort to cut down the electricity charges, the Valakom grama panchayat is set to go the solar way. As part of the move, the panchayat will soon launch a 4.5-KW solar power project for making its office a totally-solar powered one.
Panchayat president O V Babu said the project aims at setting up a total solar electric system at the panchayat office. If the project is completed as planned, the panchayat will only have to depend on solar energy for its energy needs.
Apart from the panchayat office, similar initiative will be launched at the Primary Health Centre, Valakam, as well, Babu added.
“Presently, the panchayat office need nearly 18 unit of electricity per day. The PHC too needs 18 units. As per the plan. 36 units of electricity will be generated by the solar system. For this, 4.5 KW solar panels have been installed on the roof of the panchayat building, said the president.
The estimated cost for the project is 6 lakh and the panchayat is planning to implement the initiative with its own fund. If the solar project is completed, it is expected that the panchayat can save an amount of `3000 a month in electricity cost, Babu added.
Muvattupuzha MLA Joseph Vazhakkan will inaugurate the project at a function on the premises of the panchayath office on Tuesday. Panchayath president O V Babu will preside over.