Among green trends, it is non - polluting energy from the Sun that is gradually finding acceptance from eco savvy Goans
By Shoma Patnaik NT Network
But for its inevitable tendency of beating down on us while on the streets, the sun as we all know is indispensable. It delivers more than 99 per cent of the energy that is necessary for nearly all the phenomena on Earth. It also provides us with heat and warmth together with beautiful daylight to enjoy our time on the Earth. And, at a more mundane level concentrated sunlight is packed with tremendous power that has the ability to create energy for day-to-day purposes.
Speak to the experts and discover that solar energy has vast potential. It's another plus, they say, is that it is non-polluting with an ability to reduce the green house effect. So, how smart are the Goans in utilising the sun's rays in meeting their energy requirements? Surprisingly, quite savvy, when one considers that usage of various solar energy systems are on the rise. Point out those in the know, "About few years back, the number of dealers representing manufacturers of solar water heaters were few in Goa. Today, there are about 25 of them with most saying that more and more individuals are open to using them."
Says, Dr. N. T. S. Varde, member secretary, Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA), an autonomous body to promote the usage of non- conventional, renewable energy, “At present , there is no real need by the average resident in utilising solar water heaters. The ample power supply, no power cuts and low per unit cost of power make everybody depend on government supplied electricity. Despite this," Dr. Varde continues, "it is heartening to learn that more and more water heaters are getting sold here. Individuals are buying it for novelty value while many other users are purchasing it to cut down on their power bills. Whatever the reason for the rising sales, it is a welcome trend that needs to be encouraged."
Agrees, Mr. Darryl Pereira, managing director, Reira Eco Ventures, Saligao, "We are observing a noticeable number of individual homes going in for water heaters. Besides, hotels, hospitals and institutions which require large quantities of hot water are other major users of them." He continues," The trend is good because it is taking off the load from conventional energy supplied through the state distribution network."
As for the other devices utilising the sun's energy like solar cookers and lanterns, one learns that as of now it is less popular in usage perhaps because of the 'conventional factor' involved.
Points out Dr. Varde, "Besides the three devices of solar energy in usage, we are trying our best to promote solar hybrid systems, viz combination of solar and wind energy in a big way. That also has lot of potential in Goa especially in institutions. Large users showing an interest in them are the Raj Bhavan, Bits Pilani Campus and the GMC."
While, Mr. Pereira signs off with," At present most of our solar energy systems in usage are working it in a direct manner. For instance, they use sun's rays just for heating purposes. The future in this field will get exciting when the light taken from the sun is converted to energy through a SPV cell. It can then be used to power all the appliances in a home." |