Potential customers willing to invest in solar power felt intellectually empowered to rely amply on renewable energy for future needs after taking part in a regional conclave on ‘Go Green Go Solar – For a Better India Tomorrow’ organised here on Monday by Madras Management Association’s Tiruchi Chapter.
The programme attracted 250 potential customers from hospitals, hotels, industries and educational institutions in the region, M.Subramanian, Chapter Chairman, said.
The participants found investment in solar power ideal since the cost of power production has come down significantly over the years.
At present, solar power could be produced at a cost of Rs.7.50 per unit. The production cost has fallen by 50 per cent over the past four to five years.
The investment could be recovered in four years. On the other hand, fossil fuel-based power is purchased at Rs.5.50 per unit. Grid parity was possible over the next few years,” Mr.Subramanian said.
Among the participants, there were entrepreneurs desirous of generating solar power in Perambalur, Pudukottai and Tiruchi districts, for the purpose of connecting it to the TNEB grid, Mr. Subramanian said. The programme was attuned to Tamil Nadu Solar Power 2012 that envisages generation of 3,000 MW over the next three years, he said.
A discourse titled ‘Infinite Energy in the Universe’ by Jagathguru Mahaa Maharishi Paranjothar, Founder, Universal Peace Foundation, Thirumoorthy Hills, marked the inauguration of the conclave. Group Captain R.Vijayakumar, Executive Director, MMA; Kannan, Additional Director Genera (Audit), Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax, and C.Narasimhan, Chairman, Raasi Green Earth Energy Private Limited, Bangalore, also addressed the inaugural session.
Former Executive Director of BHEL, Tiruchi, V.Gopalakrishnan handed over the first copy of a CD titled ‘Pragynan’ to K.Vinayakam, Managing Director, The Chennai Silks, on the occasion.
Raju Palanisamy, State president, Tamil Nadu Solar Energy Association, delivered a talk on ‘Solar Power in Tamil Nadu’.
During the technical sessions that followed, presentations were made on necessity of solar energy, insights into photovoltaic panels, harnessing solar energy, sustainable carbon free development, challenges in grid connected solar power plant, rooftop solar power – design considerations, demystifying solar purchase obligation for HT consumers of TNEB, challenges in storing solar power, financing options and subsidy – State and Central, economics for low cost installation, land availability versus rooftop solar, and customization in solar application.
