Solar lanterns to light rural homes soon

New Delhi, July 18 (UNI) Kerosene lanterns will be replaced by solar lanterns on a large scale in rural areas soon.

The solar lantern, used mainly for lighting purposes, can save about 50 litres of kerosene a year by replacing a kerosene lanterns, reports say.

Addressing leading solar lantern manufacturers of the sector at the ministry today, Mr Vilas Muttemwar, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, discussed the expansion plans for large-scale introduction of solar lanterns in the rural areas.

The better quality of light of a solar lantern, he explained, would also help the children in their education and encourage productive works apart from avoiding health hazards associated with the poor quality light and pollution due to burning of kerosene.

"The government can save kerosene subsidy by providing solar lanterns," he noted.

Industry representatives, assuring that the Indian photovoltaic industry was fully geared to take up the challenge, said the industry could supply up to 4 million solar lanterns a year. Issues relating to manufacture, distribution, after sales services and product quality were also discussed. The representatives reaffirmed that the quality of the product developed in the country had better quality of light and reliability and the switch over from kerosene lamp to solar lanterns by rural people would be smooth.

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