CREDA launches solar appliances outlets in rural Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) is opening retail outlets for solar energy-based appliances in rural areas of the state.

The Pioneer has reported quoting government officials that the scheme named ‘Saur Mitra Akshay Urja’ was to be implemented through 10 outlets in each district.

The outlets are to sell CREDA-approved appliances, including solar lamps, fans and televisions that will be covered by five-year guarantee.

The shops are to be franchised to individuals who receive approval from CREDA and get registered with district headquarters of its offices. The franchisees will be required to deposit Rs 10,000 by demand draft to get registered with the agency, the report adds.

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy recently fixed the rooftop solar energy target for Chhattisgarh at 104 megawatt peak by 2018-19.

The central government has also set the target of installing rooftop solar panels with consolidated capacity of 40 gigawatts in residential buildings, commercial buildings, industrial units and other buildings across the country. These solar power units can range from 1 kW to 500 kW capacity.

On March 31 last Chhattisgarh had achieved total commissioned capacity of 7.1 MW from grid connected solar PV power projects, the 2013-14 annual report of MNRE stated.

Ajith Kumar S

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