Dubai-based solar firm, PTL Solar Fz is looking to promote usage of solar-powered products in the country. And on these lines, the company is planning to set up solar marts and outlets for affordable products in Kerala, according to a TOI report.
“A micro-grid with a capacity of 5 kW could be set up in a small village. The solar panels could be fitted on to the roof top of a community building, with each house consuming 0.5 kW to 1 kW power from it,” Thomas reportedly said.
According to Thomas, the large scale projects, which the government usually prefer will have limitations. “Decentralised programmes could take India to self-reliance regarding power. Each village should have its own powerhouse,” he added.
India is grappling with acute power shortage while the country receives 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, equivalent to 5,000 trillion kW, Thomas informed. PTL now plans to set up 50 PTL Solar Marts, outlets for affordable solar products, in the state this year. “We will open three to four outlets in every district,” Thomas said.
While the company will distribute products from Toyota Group’s T-Opto initially, it will assemble the products in India afterwards.
The report also talked about setting up of solar academy. This is a relatively new concept, which trains skilled workers to cater to the solar PV industry and will also be launched in Kerala soon, he stated. The academy would be a joint venture between PTL, Solar Energy International (SEI) and the British University in Dubai. “With sponsorship from the industry, the course fee would be negligible,” Thomas added.
