Bobbing quietly in the waters of the Kasimedu fishing harbour is a boat that looks like any other, until you notice the top portion of the vessel.
Along with tyres, nets and diesel cans, this boat’s roof carries solar panels. The recently-installed solar panels power all their lights including those in the deep freezer, mixer, television set and power points.
“We make a saving of at least 15 litres of diesel a day because of solar power. Otherwise, the boat’s engine runs throughout the night to keep the lights running while we work,” said A. Gnanadass, the boat driver, who has taken the boat into the high seas on two trips after the solar panels were fitted.
‘Happy with performance’
“I am happy with the performance and the company has now fitted high powered lights that can be used to catch sankara at night. We will use it after the fishing ban is lifted,” he added.
The boat’s owner Venkatesh said that he was convinced about the viability of the idea when he was told about the clean energy and reduction in carbon footprint.
Funded by Nabard
The solar panel was funded in part by Nabard under its Rural Innovation Scheme, partly by TEDA and by the owner, explained Martin Pragasam, District Development Manager, Nabard, Kanyakumari. “We have also funded an innovative pottery project under the scheme,” he said. R. Sathishkumar, head (projects), Jagathjothi Solar Energy Private Ltd, said that such solar panels had been fitted in seven other fishing boats in Kanyakumari district.
A fishing boat equipped with solar panels is all set to head out once the fishing ban is lifted
