The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Spotlight on use of solar energy

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 29, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Spotlight on use of solar energy

T. Ramakrishnan

Company designs solar-powered street lights to promote installation in
public places

— Photo: K.V. Srinivasan

A solar-powered street light.

CHENNAI: Application of renewable sources of energy was prominently highlighted by participants at the national science exhibition for children held recently at Puducherry.

The children, from different parts of the country, gave shape to their ideas of how to use solar energy in day-to-day life through their models. But the concept of solar energy was not merely for science exhibitions — it could be demonstrated in public places, according to K.E. Ragunaathan, who has been involved in the promotion of solar energy for over 20 years.

To prove this point, his company has designed solar-powered street lights, using light-emitting diode technology.

For greater visibility

“My intention is to ensure greater visibility to products using solar energy and convey the message that they are available at an affordable cost to the common man,” says Mr. Ragunaathan, who has been associated with government and corporate bodies, such as the State Planning Commission and the Confederation of Indian Industry, for promoting renewable sources of energy.

The product meant for lighting streets, pathways or gardens occupies 200 sq. ft.

It works for 12 hours continuously with an automatic “on and off” system. Its promoter would be keen to partner with philanthropists or donors for installing it at places of worship, orphanages, old-age homes or community centres.

He is willing to provide the product, each costing Rs.8,500, to non-profit institutions on cost-to-cost basis with the condition of two lights a site.

For more details, email ragu@solkar.in or contact 044-28274142 or log on to www.solkar.in

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