Title - Manipur to instal 3,340 more solar heaters

IMPHAL, Jan 23 – Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (Manireda) has installed around 750 solar water heater systems in the State under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission of the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Manireda Director L Manglem told the media that they have set a target of installing about 3,340 solar heaters having 100 litres capacity in the State in the first phase.

After completion of first phase, the State will be relieved of about 3.5 MW capacity load from the State Electricity department thereby preventing about 5,000 tonnes of carbon emission annually.

He further said that a 100 litres capacity solar water heater can replace an electric geyser for residential use and save 1,500 units of electricity. The life of this solar heater is from 15 to 20 years. The market cost of a heater is around Rs 30,000.

Manireda gives the solar heaters to the beneficiaries at a subsidised cost of just Rs 7,000 which is only 25 per cent of the total cost. The Central Government, North East Council and the State Government are jointly giving the subsidy, he added.

RK Ranjan of College Development Council, Manipur University said that the Scheme will help in creating a pollution-free environment. Stating that the maximum utilisation of the solar heater takes place in winter, he expressed his desire that the scheme should reach the common people of the State.

Festival: Shumang Leela festival-Ningtham Kumhei 2012 which was postponed due to the recent Chandel incident, will be celebrated from January 24.