Solar power lights up Thoothukudi homes

As many as 35 houses in Ayyanadaipu village in Thoothukudi district have started receiving renewable enery with the installation of a 240W DC solar power plant.

Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA), in association with Minda NexGenTech Ltd, a private company with an objective to promote the use of new and renewable sources of energy and energy conservation activities, has implemented the project.

According to official sources, the pilot project is being undertaken in Thoothukudi, Ariyalur and Tiruvallur districts. It aims at providing CleanTech Renewable Energy and Rural Electrification solutions — specifically to locations not connected to the power grid. Accordingly, a mini solar grid of 240 W capacity was set up in Ayyanadaipu. The power generated from the plant can be used to light two LED bulbs and a charger in all 35 houses. The solar panel and the battery have been installed on the panchayat office campus from where power would be distributed to the houses.

It has been programmed in such a way that houses automatically light up at 5 pm and go off at 11.30 pm every day.

Thoothukudi Collector Ashish Kumar and DRDA Project Director Bella visited the village recently and reviewed the functioning of the DC solar power plant.