Cheapest solar powered eToilet for schools unveiled.

Eram Scientific, manufacturers of the country's first eToilet, here Tuesday unveiled the world's cheapest unmanned, self-cleaning eToilet with inbuilt solar panel and metallic platform for schools.

"This is our contribution to the nation and comes as a response to the "Clean India Campaign" announced by the central government. It perfectly matches with the "Make in India" campaign as well," said Siddeek Ahmed, chairman of Eram Group based here.

Built of stainless steel base, mild steel super structure and occupying 25 sq.ft space, the eToilet comes with a price-tag of Rs.99,999 ex-factory, which is inclusive of insurance charges and one-year warranty.

It has got an inbuilt solar panel which eliminates the need for electricity connection while the metal platform avoids civil construction too.

It has an automatic flush which works before and after use, automatic floor wash, sensor controlled water usage and eliminates the need for manual cleaners in schools.

"The present problems in sanitations at schools are known to be not because of the dearth of toilets. The lack of maintenance and requirement for manual cleaning has made them dysfunctional. We are out to address that gap and that is why we are now launching this comprehensive solution for schools," said K. Anvar Sadath, CEO.

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US Department of Energy targets 50,000 new solar installers by 2020

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has revealed a set of measures – aligned with President Barack Obama’s Climate Action Plan – to build up the renewable energy sector in the country.

In an effort to expand on the rapidly growing PV market, the DOE's Solar Instructor Training Network has revealed a new pilot job training programme for veterans at up to three military bases starting this autumn. As part of the programme, these veterans will be connected with the DOE’s system of 400 community college-type solar training facilities in an effort to generate new jobs and employees.

As a result of this new training programme, at least 50,000 new workers are expected to enter into the PV sector by 2020.

As a way to reduce costs for solar energy – especially in terms of interconnection, permitting and financing, the DOE’s SunShot Initiative has opened up a new website – Solar Powering America – which will make multiple resources available to potential customers in an effort to further stimulate the market.

In addition, the US Department of Agriculture has planned to invest US$68 million in 540 renewable energy projects across the country – including 240 PV projects. The funding for this nationwide investment will be drawn from the Rural Energy for America Program REAP – which provides financial aid to farmers and small business in rural areas in order to spur them to install renewable energy systems and make efforts to improve their energy efficiency.


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Nearly 10% of Italy’s Electricity Produced by PV Solar

September 18th, 2014 by Jake Richardson

Almost 10% of Italy’s electricity was produced by PV solar in the first eight months of 2014. The exact figure was 9.68%, which would round up to 10%. Ten percent might not sound all that impressive until you consider the solar surge in Italy also happened recently, and that there are nearly sixty million people living there.

In August, 12.66% of Italy’s electricity was generated by the same clean source. So, going beyond ten percent is definitely feasible, and is by no means a limit. Italy had a feed-in tariff program that helped expand solar power, but it was cut in 2013. Predictably, such a change did slow solar power growth.

Recently, Italy’s net metering upper limit was increased from 200 kW to 500 kW, so that might help increase solar power expansion. Cleantechnica has reported consistently about solar developments in Italy along the way.

For example, the issue of cost parity was referenced in article about a solar installation at an IKEA rooftop solar plant, “As a future-oriented company, Martifer Solar achieved a historical milestone with this project completed together with IKEA Group. This achievement means that solar energy is as cost-competitive as any other energy source in Italy and principally, without subsidies. The solar industry is approaching grid parity in an increasing number of places worldwide,”explained Henrique Rodrigues, CEO of Martifer Solar.

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Andhra Pradesh Government to Set Up Three Major Solar Power Projects in Rayalaseema

Press Trust of India | Updated: Sep 15, 2014 21:25 IST

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh government has lined up three major projects to produce 2,500 MW of solar power in the Rayalaseema region of the state.

A memorandum of understanding for these projects will be signed here tomorrow between the Government of India, the Ministry of Power and the Government of Andhra Pradesh in the presence of Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

The state Cabinet, which met here today under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, cleared the solar power projects as part of the 'Power For All' scheme being introduced from October 2.

The NTPC will set up a 1,000 MW solar power plant at Kadiri in Anantapuram district with an investment of Rs 7,000 crore, according to state's Minister for Information and Public Relations Palle Raghunatha Reddy.

Briefing reporters about the Cabinet decisions, the Minister said 5,500 acres of land has been allotted to NTPC for the solar project.

At Panyam in Kurnool district, NVVNL would set up another 1,000-MW solar power project on 5,000 acres of land, while a 500-MW plant would come up at Galiveedu in Kadapa district on 3,000 acres of land, the Minister said.

"These projects are being taken up in collaboration with the Solar Energy Corporation of India. The Government of India's capital contribution for these projects will be 50 per cent, while Power Generation Corporation of AP will invest 41 per cent and the New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of AP will contribute the balance 9 per cent," Mr Raghunatha Reddy said.

World’s Largest Single Rooftop Solar Power Project Commissioned In India

Indian solar energy companies are fast delivering world-class solar power projects as the market expands based on favorable regulatory and policy outlooks.

India’s largest engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company in the solar power market has just commissioned the world’s largest single rooftop solar photovoltaic power project. The 7.52 MW solar power plant has been commissioned in the northern state of Punjab.

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