The Hindu Business Line : BESCO urged to hike rebate for solar water heater users

THE `Silicon City' of Asia, which claims many milestones in technology absorption, has taken a lead in solar water heater usage, accounting for more than 50 per cent of the all-India figure. The city has more than two lakh domestic solar water heater users. .

According to the Solar Club, an association of users of the alternative energy-based appliance, each house saved an average of about 1,500 KWh (units) per annum. Also, it resulted in a saving of Rs 3,750 for the users of water heaters on electricity charge, thereby, effecting a considerable saving on cross subsidisation by the BESCO (Bangalore Electric Supply Company). The club also pointed out that solar energy consumers helped in saving a minimum of 30 million units of grid power annually and 50 million units, if transmission and distribution loss were also to be added to it.

Building a case for giving momentum to the enlarging users of this energy, the club has urged BESCO to enhance the rebate to users from 35 paise per unit to a maximum limit of Rs 35 per month to offset the high initial capital cost to users.

With a potential of 14 lakh consumers in the All Electric Homes (AEH) segment converting their lighting to solar water heaters, steps has to be taken by the State Government, manufacturers and suppliers to extend innovative incentives, the club said, adding that lack of professional after sales service would affect the momentum to convert to solar energy.

Pressing for a credible after sales service by the dealers, the Solar Club felt consumers had a role to play through a movement to ensure dependable servicing mechanism.

The club has also decided to compile a Vision Document-2010 highlighting the virtues of solar energy usage at homes. It would be sending its inputs for incorporation in the Renewable Energy Policy being planned by both the State and Union Governments.

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