The pilot project on installation of solar panels over the main canals of Krishna catchment areas for generating electricity, is reaching its final stage.
It may be noted that it is the pilot project launched in the State by taking example of the similar project started in Gujarat on the canals of Narmada River.
The project is being implemented on the Almatti rightbank canals between its eighth and eleventh kilometer stretch which is close to Hosur village of Bagalkot taluk.
According to the official sources, the government is spending Rs. 10.50 crore on the pilot project. The government plans to replicate the project in other parts of the State based on the success of this project.
Around 3,300 panels are being installed over the canal for generating one megawatt solar energy. The construction of control room and installation of machinery is also in the final stage, the officials said.
The government has given tender to a Chennaibased private company for installation and maintenance of the panels for five years.
“The installation of panels would achieve twin objectives; besides generating electricity, it would prevent the vaporisation of canal water as the canal is covered with panels”, the officials said.
The sources said that though the project has been initiated by the government, however it is contemplating to encourage the private companies and individuals to install such panels on their own expense for generating power using the canals.
“Since the State has wider network of canals, thus, there is no need for acquiring land for implementing the project. This would help in generating additional electricity to the State”, the sources said.
The sources said that earlier, a decision was taken to install floating solar panels in the Almatti backwater for generating power, the contact was also given to a company for Rs. one crore. However, after finding that the project is not feasible, the idea was scrapped.
