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200 'power farmers' to light up Uttarakhand with solar energy

Around 200 individuals in the state will now be known as 'power farmers', thanks to Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA) that has roped in natives to set up solar power generation plants on their land. These farmers will directly supply the renewable energy to the state government at a fixed price of Rs 4.35 per unit.

Under the scheme, solar power plants will be set up in all the 13 districts of the state. "Right now, 200 individuals have been selected to set up solar plants in villages, while we we are still getting proposals from people living in urban areas in the plains to set up solar panels on rooftop of their house. We plan to establish over 300 such plants in urban areas," an officer said.The infrastructure for the plant, like solar panels, battery banks and grid-tie metre, was already put in place in the villages four months ago.

The solar power plant will be set up on their land and a power purchase agreement will be signed for selling the energy generated. They will generate power and earn from directly selling it to the state government." Tyagi said that the selection process for the scheme has been completed and all the plants will be operational in next five months. "70% of the funds are been provided by the central government, while the state government is giving 20%. For the remaining 10%, individuals will have to take loans from banks," he said.