Solar energy project approved for low income groups

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday approved in principle a project to provide solar energy to the families from low income groups and directed the authorities concerned to start work on the venture immediately.

Calling it “Bill Bijli sey Nijat, Roshni k Saath” – which can roughly be translated into “getting rid of electricity bill through or with light” – the initiative launched under the “Roshan Punjab Programme” will targeted the protected domestic consumers who use up to 100 units of electricity per month.

The chief minister, who chaired special meeting where she was briefed on different technical aspects, ordered to launch the pilot project – which envisages provision of solar power to 50,000 eligible families – and ascertain its utility by installing the one KV (kilowatt) system in their houses.

It will comprise two solar panels, battery, inverter and wiring, which is enough to run fans, lights and a small water pump.

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Meanwhile, the lithium ion battery will provide backup for 16 hours, meaning a household can rely on solar power for this period even when the installed system isn’t producing electricity.

However, the provision of solar system to 50,000 household is just a pilot project as the number of beneficiaries will swell after its successful completion – a promise expressed by Maryam during the meeting.

Roshan Punjab Programme aims at helping the poor to shun their reliance on expensive electricity provided through the national grid, said the chief minister.