The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Solar energy norm: NEDCAP to approach civic bodies

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 11, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Solar energy norm: NEDCAP to approach civic bodies

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, APRIL 10. The Non-Conventional Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NEDCAP) has decided to approach municipalities to implement the order making solar water heating provisions mandatory for proposed multi-storied buildings and other facilities.

To harness solar energy and reduce pressure on power demand, the State Government has issued orders in August last year instructing municipalities and urban bodies to make solar energy-based water heating systems a criterion for approving construction plans of nursing homes, hotels, hospitals, guest houses, lodges and multi-storied buildings.

Special design

Under this, builders and promoters need to make provisions for an insulated pipeline from rooftop to various distribution points, arrange for continuous water supply to the heating system and ensure open space on the roof that receives direct sunlight, in the building design itself.

The NEDCAP General Manager, O.Subrahmanyam, said while the municipal body of Cuddapah passed a resolution to the effect, the one in Visakhapatnam is in the process of following suit. "Vijayawada Municipality has been very active on this front and several builders have already furnished guarantee for the system," he said.

The Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (MCH) too was informed about the orders and the matter would be pursued, officials said.

Saving money

The solar water heater, if installed during construction of a building, ensures considerable saving in terms of expenditure involved in plumbing, insulation and others. The idea is the municipality approves construction plans only after builders furnish guarantee for the facility and a no-objection certificate is issued by NEDCAP.

"We will supervise the solar energy aspect during construction of building and then provide a letter of commissioning to facilitate the municipality clear the building for occupancy," Mr. Subrahmanyam said.

Installation cost

The installation cost of a 100-litre solar water heater is around Rs. 18,000 but NEDCAP officials say the amount could be recovered in savings on LPG and electricity charges.

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