Dehradun: For the first time, a Solar Kauthig (Fair) is set to take place in Uttarakhand to promote solar energy. Experts from across the country will participate in this event, providing answers to all queries regarding solar energy projects for households.
UPCL MD Anil Kumar said that the state government, in collaboration with the Energy Corporation, will organize the event on December 16 and 17 at the Rangers Ground in Dehradun. The fair will provide information about central and state solar energy schemes and feature demonstrations of solar equipment by various vendors and companies. Post discussions with experts during the day, cultural performances by local and regional artists will take place in the evening. Under the new solar energy policy, the state has set a target of generating 1,400 MW of power by 2027. This includes 250 MW for residential areas, 750 MW for commercial and industrial sectors, 350 MW for institutional purposes, and 50 MW for agriculture. Additionally, 300 villages are to be made fully solar-powered.
More than 50 companies will set up stalls at the Solar Kauthig, showcasing their products. The event aims to reduce electricity bills for consumers using rooftop solar systems and strengthen efforts toward clean energy transformation in the state. Detailed information about the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, which aims to solarize one crore households, will also be available. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact directly with solar vendors for project installations and register for rooftop solar systems. Information on the Chief Minister’s Solar Self-Employment Scheme and solar heaters will also be provided.
As part of the event, new awareness initiatives will be launched. On December 16, the Chief Minister will inaugurate a solar van and mural art for public awareness. The fair will also feature discussions on key topics, interactions with rooftop solar users, school art and college startup competitions, and other programs.
UREDA’s Chief Project Officer, Manoj Kumar, informed that solar energy projects are being installed in government offices to reduce electricity expenses. Efforts are also underway to gather information on vacant lands from various departments to build a land bank for future projects.
MD Anil Kumar said that under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, projects have already been installed in 10,252 homes, surpassing the target of 10,000 for the first year three months before the financial year’s end. Subsidies of Rs 17,000 per kilowatt from the state government and Rs 28,600 per kilowatt from the central government are being provided. Approximately 2,600 out of the targeted 10,000 homes have already received subsidies, and the remaining beneficiaries will receive theirs soon. For any subsidy-related issues, beneficiaries can contact nodal officer Ashish Arora at 9412997831. 931 beneficiaries have completed zero net metering. Out of these, 20 have been selected to be honored by the Central Ministry in Delhi on Republic Day. Uttarakhand ranks among the top five states in solar energy initiatives based on population density. By 2027, the state aims to install solar energy plants with a total capacity of 1,400 MW. Efforts are being made to ensure timely subsidy distribution through coordination with UREDA, which is also set to launch an online portal soon.