Solar Lanterns

A Bangalore based startup is offering a solar lantern for Rs 5,999. As I get from the news post, the equipment can actually charge itself with a 5W solar-panel as well as with the grid. Such a device can work wonders not only in the rural India but also the semi-urban and small towns in most parts of the country. The crappy energy infrastructure further downgrades the crappy academic infrastructure we have in the country. An off-the-grid device would at-least help some respite to motivated students.

But, the price has to come down by may be a factor for it to become ubiquitous. Let's see how it all evolves.

India makes plans for feed-in tariffs

Last month CERC (Central Electricity Regulatory Commission) issued the notification for feed-in tariffs. The aim is to have a 5% share of renewable energy in the total power purchase in the year 2010. The document also states an aim of increasing this standard at the rate of 1% each year till 2020. Let's see how far it goes. But, this is definitely a positive move towards the clean and sustainable energy.