• To accelerate widespread use of solar thermal systems for air heating and steam generating applications, as well as used of solar passive techniques in building design, through a combination of financial and promotional incentives.
• To reduce / conserve the consumption of conventional energy through saving of electricity and fossil fuels in building, industrial and commercial establishments.
• To support the creation of a network of retail outlets in form of “Akshay Urja Shops” in all the districts for sale and service of solar energy and other renewable energy products.

2.1 Following Solar thermal systems will be promoted under the programme:

1. Solar flat plate collector (FPC) based air heating systems.
2. Solar concentrating systems for heating air/generating steam directly or through heating of oil.

2.2 FPC based solar air heating system have been found to be very useful especially in the agricultural and for industries. These industries generally require hot air at low temperature (50 – 800C) as process heat for drying of various products such as tea leaves/coffee beans and also for processing of fruits, spices, cereals, mushroom, papad, vegetables, fish seafood etc. Hot air is also required in industries such as leather, textiles, chemicals, rubber, paper pharmaceuticals etc. FPC based air hearing systems installed in industries using conventional fuel for dying of various products can save a significant amount of fuel apart from improving the quality of end products and reducing the environments pollution.

2.3 Solar concentrating systems comprising of Parabolic dishes commonly known as “Scheffler” dishes have been found to be useful for generating steam to cook food for hundreds and thousands of people in community kitchens especially at religious places such as Shridi, Mount Abu, Thirupati etc. The Worlds largest system is functioning at Thirupati for cooking food for 15000 people per day. These systems, apart from steam generation can also be used for heating oil/air for various applications in industries and commercial establishments where heat requirements is above 800C. The systems installed in such establishments including kitchens can help in saving substantial amount of conventional fuels apart from reducing the environmental pollution.

2.4 The programme will provide for financial support for the systems as well as support for organizing publicity and awareness campaign, seminars, workshops / symposia / business meets / training programmes and for technology upgradation, studies, survey etc.

4.1 The Ministry has been promoting the establishment of Aditya Solar Shops in Major cities of the country since 1995 with a view to make solar energy products easily available and to provide easy after sales repair services. During the 9th Plan period, shops were established by the State Nodal Agencies/ Manufacturer’s Associations and reputed NGOs. During the 10th Plan, private entrepreneurs have also been allowed to establish these shops. Under the present scheme the shops will be renamed as “Akshay Urja Shops” with a view to cover wider sale and service of all renewable energy devises and systems including solar energy products. The network of the shops will be expanded by encouraging private entrepreneurs and NGOs to set up and operate such shops in all districts of the country.

4.2 The programme will provide for higher support to the shops in terms of soft loans through banks and monthly recurring grant and incentive for first two year of operation.

5.1 The scheme will be implemented through State Nodal Agencies/IREDA/Technical Institutions/Reputed NGOs of proven track record. Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to various implementing organizations for implementing these programme in the respective, and the accounts will be settled after receipt of detailed report and audited SOEs and Ucs.