The Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources (
MNES) has been promoting the establishment of Aditya Solar Shops in major cities of the country with a view to make solar energy products easily available and to provide after sales repair and maintenance services. From the year 2005-06 the Ministry of Non conventional Energy sources has renamed the shops as “Akshay Urja Shops” with a view to cover wider sale service of all renewable energy devices and systems including solar energy products. So far
81 shops have been established in 28 States/UTs.
Under the new
solar energy scheme (which includes Akshay Urja shops) under the direction of the MNES, the network of the shops is being expanded by encouraging private entrepreneurs and NGOs to set up and operate such shops in all districts of the country. Applicants are eligible to avail loans upto Rs. 10 lakhs through designated banks banks for establishment of the shops at an interest rate of 7%. In addition, recurring grant & incentive linked with turnover upto Rs. 10,000 per month (subject to certain conditions) during the first two years of operation will also be available. The scheme will be operated through State Nodal Agencies and IREDA.
An
Annexure from the MNES lists down the financial support/incentives in the solar energy programme, including 'Akhay Urja' shops.
Check out the
September-October 2005 issue of Akshay Urja - newsletter of the MNES. Archives of the same newsletter can be obtained here.
