Rooftop solar panels, which are being installed by the Punjab government on subsidy and easy installments, are becoming a new priority for the people of Mansa, as after payment of 15 percent margin money anybody would get free electricity for next 25 year besides acquiring subsidy ranging from 25 to 31 percent according to kilowatts and remaining payment will be made through easy installments. Due to the low cost maintenance, these new on-grid solar panels are becoming centre of attraction for the people of the area.Punjab Cooperation Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has launched the "Cooperative Green Energy Loan Scheme" (SeGEL), in all 800 branches of the Central Cooperative Banks of the state on August 15. In district Mansa, hundreds of people have shown their interest to install these panels on rooftops and 60 to 70 people have filled forms. Divulging further details, Managing Director of the bank Mr. Harvinder Singh Dhillon said that 5 KW Rooftop solar panels cost about Rs.3.25 lakh, on which about Rs.87,000 would be given as subsidy by the government. He said that after paying 15% margin money of the total amount, which makes Rs.48,750, remaining amount will be paid through 60 easy installments.
He said that 5 KW solar panel produces 20 units per day and 600 units per month. Thus, the panel will generate about Rs.5100 per month as per current electricity tariff of Rs.8.50 per unit, whereas the installments will be of Rs.4300 per month. In this way, during the installment period, the electricity amount would be at par with the installment amount, whereas after the completion of installments the power generation will be totally free for the next 20 years, which will be of more than Rs.11 lakh as per the current market price. He said that any person can install a plant of up to 80 percent load of their domestic sanctioned load of electricity connection.Dhillon said that the person, wishing to set up a solar panel under "Cooperative Green Energy Debt Scheme" (SeGEL), would have to select empanelled vendors from the website of Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA). He should have to apply online for approval of PSPCL. PEDA will send its consent of the plant on his email or mobile address and then concerned central cooperative bank will accept the loan of the eligible person.
Special facilities for government employees:
Managing Director said that any person, organization, institution or society can produce electricity by installing solar panels on rooftop. The employee of Punjab & Central government, PSU or cooperative departments can get loan from any branch of cooperative bank of Punjab without any security.
1 KW beneficial equal to 6 trees:
Dhillon said that with the setting up of 1 KW solar panel, the environment would get benefit as much as 6 big trees. Thus, the solar panels are being directly benefitted in reducing global warming. He said that due to sunlight for more than 300 days in Punjab, this region has been kept in the best list of Solar Index "Solar Index-4", which boost morale of the consumers that solar panels staying sunny every day and will ensure the continuous and rich yield of electricity. Solar panels equipped with new technologies are capable of generating electricity for up to 25 years without any maintenance.
New way of employment for youngsters:
Managing Director said that Solar Plants are also creating employment and self-employment opportunities for the youth of the state. He said that in order to set up solar panels on the roofs, the companies need a lot of local work force. Youngsters can start the work of solar panel fitting after taking training.