200 Matikhala houses powered by solar energy

Berhampur: Around 200 houses in Matikhala, a sea shore village in Ganjam district’s Chhatrapur block have been powered by solar energy. Rooftop solar panels in the utility-led aggregation (ULA) model have been installed as part of the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.Collector (Ganjam) V.Keerthi Vasan and MLA (Chhatrapur) Krushna Chandra Nayak inaugurated the solar-powered village on Thursday in the presence of chief executive officer of Tata Power Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) A K Garg.Under the scheme each beneficiary has installed 1 KW solar system, which is expected to reduce power expenses for residents while promoting clean energy and environment.

Under the ULA model of PM Surya Ghar Mufti Bijuli Yojana launched by the discom last year, a beneficiary contributes Rs 5,622, which includes the cost of the solar panel, meter and installation fees, etc.The discom, the nodal agency for implementation of the scheme will ensure end-to-end execution, including installation and quality assurance. The company will also provide a 5-year warranty on system components and 25 years on the solar panels, sources said.

The beneficiaries who installed the rooftop solar panel will be able to get uninterrupted power supply at a lower rate, said the collector. He asked the others to come forward to install the rooftop solar system to get renewable and clean energy under the scheme. He said the district administration was taking proactive steps to drive solar adoption at the panchayat level by working closely with the stakeholders.The MLA said the govt was committed to promote clean and affordable energy in rural areas. The ULA model will encourage the rural households to adopt the solar system due to its affordable cost.