TEDA to promote solar-powered inverters

Centre's subsidy covers almost half the total cost for installing the power pack

The Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) is looking to promote the use of solar-powered inverters in homes for domestic consumption.

A one kilowatt power pack, which would cost a total of Rs. 2.2 lakh towards equipment and installation, would be eligible for almost a 50 per cent subsidy of Rs. 1 lakh from the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), S.E.S. Syed Ahamed, Deputy General Manager of Madurai Region, told The Hindu here.

The TEDA Madurai Region comprises 11 Southern and Central districts from Kanyakumari to Tiruvarur.

Such a unit can generate eight units per day, which would be sufficient to power almost all home appliances such as televisions, tube lights and refrigerators. “These solar powered inverters could run round-the-clock. Hence, consumers using this equipment can have an assured source of power supply,” he said.

This equipment comprises an inverter, battery and four solar modules. They have a long life time and could be expected to last for as much as 25 years.

Round-the-clock

Mr. Syed said that investment on this equipment could be recouped in eight years. While the conventional inverters could operate only for few hours at a stretch, the solar-powered inverter is designed to provide electricity 24 hours a day. Its improved tubular lead acid battery has a seven-year warranty.

While at present, only a few manufacturers were providing this inverter in Tamil Nadu, TEDA was working to eliminate this constraint by taking various measures such as meeting the developers and manufacturers.

Customers wanting to install 1KW Solar power packs could contact the TEDA Madurai Regional Office to submit their application along with Detailed Project Report submitted by the contractor executing the project in order to obtain subsidy from MNRE. The fund allotment would be solely on ‘first-come first-serve' basis, he added.

Further details could be obtained by contacting Mr. Syed, S.G.S.Y. Shopping Complex (1st Floor), DRDA Building, (Opposite Anna Bus Stand, Telephone Number: (0452) 253 5067.