Harvesting solar energy in rangilu Rajkot

Vijaysinh Parmar, TNN, Jul 15, 2010, 10.24pm IST

RAJKOT: In a significant move towards developing Rajkot as a Solar city,' Rajkot

Municipal Corporation (RMC) is going to set up 200 kilowatt-peak (kWp) solar grid connect
photovaltic (PV) system power station within the next six months.

According to senior RMC officials, the solar grid connect PV system will be implemented in
a phased manner initially, a 100 kWp system will come up in the city's west zone by August
15, followed by the second half in the next six months. RMC plans to inaugurate the 100
kWp station during the Independence Day celebrations in the city next month.

RMC has also applied for registration of the scheme under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar
Mission (JNNSM), a project recently floated by the Union ministry of new and renewable
energy. JNNSM was launched on January 11, 2010, by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as
a major initiative towards promoting ecologically sustainable growth, while addressing
India's energy security challenge.

Sources said RMC will invest Rs 2.50 crore for setting up the solar grid system in the
coming month. Municipal commissioner Dinesh Brahmbhatt said they are very hopeful to
get a nod from the Union ministry. "It will be a major step towards harnessing solar energy
to create a model solar city in the country," he said.

Furthermore, as a mandatory obligation under the JNNSM scheme, RMC has recently made
an agreement with Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL), the state-owned power
distribution company of western Gujarat. According to the agreement, PGVCL will buy the
solar energy produced in RMC's solar grid station at the cost of Rs 15 per unit, which is
three time higher than the existing price, said civic body officials, adding that it is estimated
that RMC will break even by three years, following which it can book profits.

Meanwhile, work of the grid station has been put in fast gear with the civic body already
floating an e-tender notice on its website for the installation of first phase of 100 kWp solar
grid connect PV system. "We have targeted the inauguration of this ambitious project on the
occasion of Independence Day, if possible by the hands of chief minister," a senior official
said.
Incentives to promote solar energy harvesting
RAJKOT: Determined to convert the city's energy source to solar energy, the Rajkot Municipal
Corporation (RMC) has declared various incentives to promote solar energy harvesting and
creating awareness about the renewable energy. The city had earlier been selected to be
developed as a solar city' by ministry of new and renewable energy, government of India.

According to officer on special duty, RMC, Alpna Mitra, the RMC is replacing the existing
electric streetlights with solar streetlights. These LED-based solar streetlights save energy
consumption. About 200 streetlights will be replaced. We are determined to make the city a solar
city by various programmes. Efforts are on to create a model city in solar harvesting and
renewable energy sector.

Among the already declared incentives was the rebate to be given to users of solar water heating
system in residential and commercial buildings in the city. "A Rs 500 rebate in property tax
(residential) per year will be given for five years to a house owner who will use solar water
heating system and Rs 1,000 rebate will be given in property tax for commercial building users.
We are hopeful that this move help us in people's participation in coming days,'' city mayor
Sandhya Vyas said.

This apart, RMC is going to organise an international-level seminar on solar energy by the end of
the year, where experts and practitioners of this energy will be invited to exchange ideas.

"Energy audits will also be conducted of government buildings, public sector buildings, water
pumping and streetlighting in the city at regular interval. RMC will take necessary steps towards
conservation of electricity. The time has come to go towards solar energy," said RMC
commissioner Dinesh Brahmbhatt, adding, "We will achieve this by involving residents through
various incentives to opt for harvesting solar energy and also dis-incentives for not following the
rules. We are in the process to amend the building bye-laws for making the use of solar devices
mandatory in certain building and drafting the energy efficient green buildings norm for the
city."