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Sep 30, 2023

Want To Switch To Solar Power? Start With One Room Of Your House

Widespread improvements in the quality of life of many of the world’s

Widespread improvements in the quality of life of many of the world's populations have gone hand-in-hand with increased demands on natural resources.

This has resulted in tremendous pressure on the planet. As a result, we are facing climate change characterized by increased global temperature, more frequent extreme weather events and natural disasters.

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One of the primary reasons for climate change is global warming which is the excessive rise in global temperature caused by anthropogenic activities. Nearly 85% of the global energy requirement is met by burning fossil fuels that emit carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) as by-products. The concentration of CO2 has increased by almost 50 % since the Industrial Revolution. These GHGs trap solar heat and delay its release into the outer atmosphere causing global warming.

The solution to climate change and global warming lies in adopting clean sources of energy as an alternative along with incorporating behavioural change. Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available. It also has a substantially reduced impact on the environment when compared to fossil fuels.

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Its greenhouse gas emissions are inconsequential as the technology does not require any fuel combustion, However, there is no production in the world that has no carbon footprint associated with it. It becomes a moral responsibility to utilise even the infinite and clean resources consciously rather than becoming a conspicuous consumer.

Adoption of Solar Energy with Avoid, Minimize and Generate (AMG) philosophy of Energy Swaraj Foundation, can help in restoring the balance of the planet and sustainability.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Energy Swaraj Foundation (ESF) launched the Ek Karma Solar Ka (EKSK) or ‘One Room of Solar’ initiative as a part of "Action for Climate Correction" with the goal of facilitating and aiding in the solar transition. Under this programme, individuals and organisations can turn one of their spaces into a solar-powered room and envision a future powered by the sun. Under this project, ESF will offer the first 100 organisations and individuals free counselling and technical support.

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Everyone loves to use Solar Energy but feels it is expensive. Also, many are not sure about its performance and working during the rainy and winter season. In this backdrop, people can try and start their journey towards solar powered life with the Ek Kamra Solar Ka (EKSK). With the training developed by the Energy Swaraj Foundation, the EKSK will be easy to install, without needing any technical expertise.

With the cutting-edge research and development of highly efficient solar panels, day by day it's also becoming cost-effective so that everyone can have a sustainable future without burning the pocket. Approximate cost of one EKSK, including all components, wiring, transportation and installation is estimated to be in Rs. 32,000 to 38,000 range.

The basic requirement of one room of area 120 to 200 square feet, can be fulfilled by one fan and two lights along with a plug point. To solarise one room, bearing all the above mentioned facilities one would need a solar panel (about 300 Watt), battery (about 100Ah), charge controller, cables, a new DC ceiling or table fan, new DC lights and new switches.

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An EKSK solar system with above specifications will work minimum 6 to 8 hours of operation of both tube lights, all season, 365 days; 8 to 10 hours operation of fan, all season, 365 days and charging one mobile twice a day throughout the year.

This becomes a cost-effective method for incorporating solar energy into our daily life and eventually reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. It also reduces the carbon emission and carbon footprint generated by an individual. It paves the way to become energy independent and achieve ‘Energy Swaraj’ by producing their own energy and ensuring a secure and sustainable future for our next generation.

This article is published in association with Energy Swaraj Foundation as part of our Climate Action series.

Chetan Singh Solanki is a Professor at the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay and the founder of Energy Swaraj Foundation. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author.

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