Make solar energy generation a mass movement: minister

Union minister for science and technology and ministry of earth sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, today suggested that solar energy generation should be turned into a mass movement.

Speaking after dedicating a new automated solar module production plant at the Central Electronics Limited plant at Sahibabad, near Delhi today, said the example of Gujarat in the field of solar energy should be emulated.

He said in the days of global warming while a large number of deaths are occurring in States like Andhra Pradesh, "we should resolve to produce solar energy in every household and also sell it for the grid of the electricity boards even while earning carbon credits."

The Minister said consultations with experts are under way to run the first ever solar power train of the world in India.

Dr Vardhan said that Delhi, the nation's capital, receives high quality sunlight for more than 300 days of the year,  which could be used to convert every house into a power houseand help reduce Delhi's considerable carbon footprint.

Minister of state for science and technology and earth sciences, Y S Chowdary said more such 40 mega watt panels per annum automated production lines should be set up in various parts of the country as a part of the 'Make in India' programme.

He said that there should be higher localised production of solar energy for which several incentives have been given by various governmental agencies.

India is focusing on renewable energy in a big way from long term energy security as well as sustainability perspectives.

The original target of installation of 22 GW of SPV generation capacities in the country by 2022, has now been revised upwards to 100 GW.

The existing panel production capacities in the country are estimated to be about 2,500 MWp per annum.

CEL commissioned its new automated production line in Sahibabad with 40 MW panels per annum production capacity.

The entire plant has been imported from Italy and consists of tabber-stringers, bussing stations, laminators, framing equipment, glass washer, as well as module testing equipment - all interlinked with mechanized conveyors.