A Solar Revolution is in the offing, as solar energy fuels the energy growth story in the country. Briefing mediapersons on the initiatives taken with the support of Department of Science & Technology in New Delhi today, Union Minister for Science & Technology, Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that solar energy will eventually serve millions of unserved people by developing solar technology-led innovations through indigenous research and development (R&D). The solar equipment developed include “Suryajyoti” - a micro solar dome, a solar water purifier and a solar jacket. Dr. Harsh Vardhan emphasized that the Government’s ambitious target includes the energy plan of India for the year 2022 involves generating 175 GW of renewable power, out of which solar energy will account for 100 GW. “20 per cent of the target has been achieved”, he said. The Minister emphasized that the effort of the Department of Science & Technology is to innovate and manufacture commodities that utilize solar energy and provide benefits in the day-to-day life of the people. He also pointed out that such innovations seek to improve the quality of life, as well as reduce the expenditure of the people.
Referring to Suryajyoti – a micro solar dome, Dr. Harsh Vardhan underlined that from 30 users in 2016, today more than 5, 000 households are benefiting from Suryajyoti to light up their homes.“The target is to cover 100,000 homes with “Suryajyoti” by the year 2019”, he added.Displaying the solar jacket by wearing it himself, Dr. Harsh Vardhan highlighted the features of the solar jacket – namely, emitting a focused light, lighting up the identification tag and a facility to recharge mobile phones. “This solar jacket is particularly useful for defence personnel and forest officials working in remote and far-flung areas”, the Minister stated.Stating that these solar energy innovations have been devised, keeping in mind the clean energy needs of the country, the Minister also stated that five solar water purifiers have been produced, with each machine purifying about 400 litres of water per day.referring to the Government’s vision of encouraging people to embrace digital banking, the Minister mentioned an upcoming project that is in development stage and involves the production of a solar ATM in distant rural areas. “The commercial model of the solar ATM is expected to be rolled out in two-three months”, the Minister averred.Dr. Vardhan also stressed the cost-effectiveness of solar energy equipment. “The solar jacket (without GPS) costs Rs. 4, 000 and ‘Suryajyoti’ bulb costs Rs. 1100 at present, but the costs will come down when the production is scaled up”, Dr. Vardhan said.