All the Bangaloreans are sure hit by electricity load shedding. Power supply is cut for an hour each in the morning and evenings. This by all means a bad news for everyone especially for students. Electricity power demands are predominantly met by either hydro or thermal power plants. Though the rain gods blessed most of the region with higher than average rains this year, the demand has been ever increasing. Because of that power generation plants are now playing safe in consuming water available in various reservoirs. They have a valid reason too, since the demand for power increases more during summer season. However, the nuclear deal between India & US will help to meet that sort of ever increasing demand in the long term.
Now lets look at what can be done from our end to overcome the prevailing power woes. If there is a space of 7’x5’ on your roof top, opt for solar water heaters. This can bring down your power demand by 40%! Isn’t that great? Indian government is providing loans on solar water heaters at an interest rate of around 1% p.a. Apart from the power distribution institutions like KPTCL is providing a discount upto Rs 40/- per month on your electricity bill if you have solar water heater installed. Keeping aside all that you get to use the natural energy which is eco-friendly as well as saves your electricity bill. Why not to opt for using Solar energy where ever possible and help ourselves to solve the problem?
Nishant Singh says
While it all makes sense, sometimes it is not feasible enough. We tried having a solar panels but that didn’t help much probably because of space constraints. Not all of us have terraces!
What I believe is that companies are doing it the wrong way. Instead of promoting solar water heaters, solar panels etc they should rather promote solar battery chargers, solar phone charger, solar-powered inverter/generator, solar powered devices for vehicles etc. I maybe wrong but I feel the smaller the device, the more user friendly it will be and it will be accepted by a far greater number of people.
Arvind Chugh says
Why would someone need a Solar water heater in summer season?
Although it is a good option , but I think In India lot of power can be saved if power theft is controlled by Govt. Authorities. In India power distribution is totally irrational ..
Mohan says
@Natali
Well, it would cost around approximately INR 25k for a 200 litres solar water heater. Since people can easily claim the loan on it at less than 1%, it works out economically the best choice 🙂
Natali says
This makes a lot of sense. I’m sure more people would go for it if they just understood it better.
What are the initial investments involved?