It is necessary to harness solar energy for sustainable development and to beat the shortage of hydroelectric energy, said MLA Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri after inaugurating a seminar on ‘Role of cooperative societies in developing solar energy units’ at Ashisar in Sirsi taluk on Tuesday.
He also inaugurated minor rooftop solar units in Agasal Bommanahalli near Ashisar, where 300 houses installed minor rooftop solar units recently.
Solar energy was environment friendly and energy departments should create awareness and encourage setting up of solar energy plants by providing subsidies, he said.
In Shivamogga district, 15 villages have installed rooftop solar units through Village Forest Committees and excess of solar energy could be sold to electricity companies, he said.
The solar companies have a responsibility to produce qualitative materials at a minimum cost to reach out to the common people and should provide the best possible service, he said.
Senior official of Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) Vidyarani said the State is power-starved and badly in need of solar energy units. The people in rural areas should know about solar pumpsets, cookers, solar vehicles, etc.
Vrakshalaksha Andolan president Anant Ashisar said there was a need to increase the subsidy to set up solar units.
Hubli Electricity Supply Company Chief Engineer Rachappa, KREDL chief Payyannavar, Mamcos director B.H. Raghavendra, and Deputy Conservator of Forest Ashok Basarkod were present.
