Gujarat Slum Dwellers Get Free Solar Power

#SolarForACause

We, at Greenworldinvestor, have always promoted stories where Solar has been used for a social cause. With the rising popularity of solar technology, easy accessibility, and eco-friendly nature, solar has been springing up at many places around. People are looking at installing a solar system, not only because of its environment-friendly nature but also for its improving prices. Rising electricity costs have also acted as a strong tailwind for solar.

Another story, where solar energy will be used to uplift the society has come from Gujarat. The once trailblazer of solar energy has come up with yet another initiative to promote solar power in the state. After the successful launch of SKY solar scheme for farmers, Wind-Solar Hybrid Power Policy and solar power generation schemes for households with terraces, the Gujrat government now looks upon the slum areas for promoting solar. The solar installation at the slum area will not only generate free electricity for the slum dwellers but also help them earn an extra buck. Yes, the government will also pay them for the surplus power that they generate.

The government is planning to set up flexible solar panel domes in slums and use empty spaces in these areas to generate electricity. The government will bear the major portion of the installation cost. The slum dwellers will get free access to electricity and also money from the government for the extra power supplied. Both individual, as well as community solar power generation options, will be available. The government is planning to do a pilot run in the slum areas of major cities. If successful, the model could pave the way for a large scale solar adoption and be introduced to the masses. The solar technology has already reached the rural parts of the world in the form of solar light, solar mobile phone chargers and microgrids, especially in areas that are not grid connected. These new installations in the slum areas will not only raise the installation numbers but also prove to be a boon for the slum dwellers who hardly have any access to electricity, let alone free. These installations will go a long way in improving the lifestyles of the individuals by helping them to work and read even when it’s dark.

“The rooftop solar power generation facility is for well-off citizens who have concrete houses with terraces. The state government has decided to extend this facility to slum dwellers as well. The Gujarat government will soon announce a new scheme for slum dwellers who can produce the solar power for their need and can earn revenue by selling surplus power.” a top government official said.

Source: TOI