CHENNAI : Solar power has the potential to play a pivotal role in ensuring the country's energy security if there is a right mix of policy initiatives, including a shift from the emphasis on promoting it in the rural and remote areas to the urban rich and middle class.

Popularisation of solar energy also requires initiatives to encourage technological upgradation and create a mass market, Sabahat S. Azim, an Indian Administrative Service officer belonging to the Tripura cadre, has said.

A medical practitioner by qualification, Dr. Azim, who until recently was secretary to the Tripura Chief Minister, is keen on working towards promoting solar energy.

In an interview to The Hindu here on Wednesday, he said several myths surrounded solar energy — the most prominent being that it was not financially viable and could not compete with conventional energy.

Whereas, the low demand for the eco-friendly power had led to low production of the systems, thereby increasing the production cost. In this context there was a need to create a mass market for solar energy. "Every energy source that has become viable has been through initial government support," he pointed out. The government should share the capital cost of the users. The solar/renewable energy system should be made mandatory for buildings costing above a certain limit. "A person who can invest Rs.30 lakh on a house can invest Rs.4 lakh on a perpetual energy system if the product is tailored for his needs and is given a financing option to bear those costs."

On shifting the focus to the rich, upper and middle class in urban areas, he said: "A niche market can be created for the green energy. If people can buy organic products and remodel houses on the lines of Vastu, they can be made to go for green energy as a lifestyle statement."

Asked whether the government should take the lead, he said all government buildings should install the system to meet 30 per cent of their energy requirements.

Dr. Azim also recommended introduction of net metering systems, under which households/buildings harnessing solar energy would feed the power into the grid when not required. They would be billed only for the net energy utilised by subtracting the higher feed in tariffs for solar energy.

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