Now, farmers can opt for solar-powered tube wells

Bijendra Ahlawat

Tribune News Service

Faridabad, January 28

The Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) has rolled out the facility of solar-powered tube wells for farmers across the state. It will be 40 per cent cheaper than that connected with the traditional grid.

Since 1,703 applications for new connections up to 10 BHP are pending in the district, the authorities are now issuing letters to these farmers seeking their choice between off-grid solar connections from the Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA) and grid connections (regular electrical powered) from the discoms.

The Chief Engineer (Commercial), DHBVN, has asked the respective circle offices to sent consent letters through all mediums, including text messages and Whatsapp, to the applicants.

Superintending Engineer, Faridabad, Pradeep Kumar Chauhan said it was for the first time that such an option had been given to farmers.

He said the applicants had been asked to submit their choice as soon as possible. However, no deadline for the same had been announced by the authorities so far.

According to information, 75 per cent cost of the solar connection will be borne by the government in form of subsidy. The applicant will have to pay only Rs 1,52,500 for a 10 BHP connection against the total cost of Rs 6.10 lakh. On the other hand, the cost of a 10 BHP connection from the traditional grid is Rs 2.50 lakh.

Similarly, those opting for three and five BHP connections will have to pay Rs 58,750 and Rs 83,250, respectively. For a 7.5 BHP solar connection, the applicant will have to pay Rs 1,19,500 against the total cost of Rs 3,58,500. The minimum cost of a grid connection is Rs 1,25,000.

While the supply from solar connection will be free, it is 10 paise per unit for the grid one.