Team Herald
PONDA: Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar has urged people to adopt solar energy, highlighting the benefits of free electricity and the opportunity to earn revenue from surplus power generation. He emphasised the need to reduce reliance on coal-generated electricity to curb environmental pollution and reduce the country’s dependence on costly coal imports.
Speaking at a special session introducing the Solar Rooftop Scheme and PM-KUSUM ‘A’ and ‘B’ schemes at Bandora Village Panchayat, Dhavalikar said “Coal-generated power contributes to environmental pollution, and the country has to spend significant amounts of foreign exchange on importing coal. Over the years, we have extracted coal from domestic coalfields, but it is not sustainable in the long run. India imports coal from Australia, which is an expensive affair. However, if we start generating power through rooftop solar panels, it will not only be profitable for the country but will also help protect the environment by reducing coal burning.”
Dhavalikar appealed to residents to install solar rooftop panels under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheme, which provides free electricity up to 400 units for those switching to solar energy.
“Compared to Maharashtra and Karnataka, electricity rates in Goa are lower. Installing solar rooftop panels will be profitable for people, even when considering maintenance costs,” said Dhavalikar.
He further stated that the Goa government provides a 50% subsidy for residential solar rooftop panel installations.
“For households with a terrace, the scheme ensures zero electricity bills. Residential consumers using up to 400 units per month will be eligible for the free installation of rooftop solar plants (up to 5 kW) through empanelled vendors of the ‘National Portal and the Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA)’.
Dhavalikar also highlighted government schemes available for farmers, encouraging them to use fallow land, water bodies, and barren land to generate solar power.
Residents raised various concerns regarding solar panel costs, maintenance, and efficiency, which were addressed by GEDA officials.