The Solar Street Lighting Programme was launched by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Sources, Govt. of India in the year 1999. Now, the scheme is limited for Northern Eastern States. MNRE, GOI is also providing 30% Central Financial Assistance (CFA) only for Northern Eastern States. As per scheme submitted to GOP, the 70% share has to be provided by the beneficiaries and balance 30% as a subsidy will be provided by State Govt.

Specifications:

Solar Cell is the basic component of any solar Photovoltaic (SPV) system, which converts sunlight into useful electricity. The electricity generated by the SPV panel during sunshine hours is stored in the battery. The electronic circuit sensor the dusk through the SPV panel and switches ON the lamp, operates it for the whole night and turns it OFF automatically at dawn.

Benefits of Solar Street Lights: -

• Solar street lights are independent of the utility grid. Hence, the operation costs are minimized.
• Solar street lights require less maintenance compared to conventional street lights.
• This is a non-polluting source of electricity.
• Separate parts of solar system can be easily carried to the remote areas.
• It allows the saving of energy and cost.

Achievement: PEDA with its relentless efforts has achieved numerous milestones in the installation & commissioning of 119630 Nos. of SSLs in 5835 villages of the state of Punjab. Due to this 9553 tons of CO2 emissions are avoided each year and is equal to planting approx. 4,30,000 mature trees.

Action Plan: PEDA is planning the supply, installation & commissioning of 3,00,000 Solar Street Lights with Lithium Ferro Phosphate Battery.