UP promotes solar energy

Lucknow, Nov 28 (UNI) To meet the growing demand of energy in Uttar Pradesh even after an increase in power production capacity, the Non-conventional Development Agency (NEDA) is promoting solar energy heating programme in the state.

In UP, there is a wide gap between the demand and supply of energy and it can definitely be reduced by using the renewable energy, specially the solar energy.

To promote the programme, Chief Secretary of UP had already issued a government order on October 11 last to all the principal secretaries/secretaries directing to promote the installation of Solar Water Heating systems.

The government has also directed to make Solar Water Heating Systems mandatory in certain categories of building and if the Municipal Corporations/Municipalities amend their buidling by laws, the government would provide a financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to Municipal Corporation, while Rs 5 lakh to Nagar Palikas on training, educational tours, awareness programmes, demonstrations and printing of vouches and manuals.

The government is also providing soft loans through commercial banks and other financial institutions on Solar Water Systems. The loan is available at 2 per cent interest to individual beneficiaries, 3 per cent to institutions and non-profit making organisations, 5 per cent to commercial and industrial organisations (which claim depriciation).

To the commercial and industrial organisations, depriciation under income tax is also available.

If any organisation does not avail soft loan, the government is also providing a capital subsidy at Rs 2,200 to institutions and at Rs 1,650 to commercial and industrial organisations on per 100 system.

State government subsidy at Rs 4,000 on per 100 system is also available on the installation of Solar Water Heating systems on government and semi government buildings.

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