Solar projects increased

In the last 100 years vast areas of paddy field and marshy lands were filled up with soil brought from the hills. We lost hills and huge water logged areas that caused ground water level to fall. This created panic among the people. Good majority of people use water from wells. Calls from people forced the present government to regulate land use with foresight. Now the government is reluctant to allow any project that use arable land.

Another peculiar point to note for solar project is the cost of land. As for Kerala private land holdings are regulated by Land Holding act. Large stretch of land required for solar plants (MW size) may not be available with private owners at reasonable price. Land owned by government is also limited. In Kerala land is scarce. One acre of land with road approach may cost around rupees 1-2 crores in the interior. In towns it may be 3-6 crores.

Projects for states are to be prepared based on matrices of the state. As for power generation planning can be based on 'energy deficit'. Planning should aim energy security. Kerala’s annual energy deficit is 10000 MU. This much energy has to be generated in due course, may be in 10 - 20 years from solar source. I feel grid connected rooftop solar plant is the right solution for Kerala. I assessed the rooftop potential of Kerala as 10000 MW at the present efficiency of 16.5%. This potential could go up as efficiency of solar module increases which is sure to come. Government of Kerala is in the process of finalizing Solar Policy.