A total of around 1,000 MW capacity solar power plants have been installed in the country in the last two years.
If this trend continues, the country will achieve the target of 20,000 MW by 2022, Farooq Abdullah, Minister for New and Renewable Energy, said at a ‘National Workshop on Solar Water Heaters’ under UNDP-GEF supported Project on Solar Water Heaters here on Thursday.
Abdullah emphasised the need to explore and tap new and renewable sources of energy and protect the environment from greenhouse gases.
“There is an abundance of solar energy in most parts of the country but to tap it for electricity generation or for other useful purposes is the key,” he said. To make it affordable and cost-effective, sincere efforts have to be made and suitable policies have to be formulated, he said.
Admitting the poor quality of products and services, Abdullah said, the industry needs to ensure good marketing, sales and service network and quality of products to develop user confidence.
On the solar water heaters project, he said, it was started in September 2008 and will be completed by December 31, 2012.