Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s Akshay Urja shop, envisaged for wider sale and service of all renewable energy devices and systems, including solar energy products, was inaugurated by Collector Jayashree Muralidharan here on Thursday.
The outlet: Contura Akshay Urja Shop, near Rail Nagar bus stop along the Tiruchi-Thanjavur highway, is itself powered by a 1.3 KW solar power generation unit.
Power for the inaugural function at the adjoining meeting hall was also sourced from the solar unit, though a diesel generator set was kept as stand-by, Arun Rebero, director of the shop, said.
The support from the central ministry comes in form of monthly grants for operational expenditure and sales incentives facilitated by Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency, he said, informing that the Ministry supports establishment of one shop in each district for creation of a network of retail outlets.
Solar rooftops, and indoor and outdoor lighting, figure among focus areas, he said.
The shop will provide guidance to buyers for securing subsidy and tax concessions, and complying with carbon credit formalities. A model for creating awareness free of cost in schools and colleges of how renewable energy can mitigate global warming, Mr. Arun Rebero said. Enquiries will be answered also over phone: 0431 – 2441383, Mobile: 8754021383/ 9994921997
Protect environment
Inaugurating the shop, the Collector called for environment protection through patronisation of solar energy products.
Though solar products warrant initial investment, there will be no need to pay monthly electricity bills. She utilised the occasion to drive home the importance of planting saplings to address pollution.
The Collector inaugurated the shop in the presence of S. Sridharan, president, Tiruchi District Tiny and Small Scale Industries’ Association (TIDITSSIA).
T. Raju Rebero, managing director, Contura Solar India, T.V.Murali, Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry, Tiruchi Zone, S.Sampath, president, BIDASS, Tiruchi, and S.Abdul Rasheed, TIDITSSIA secretary, were present.
