Gujarat

A satisfying record: The Indian city of Rajkot in Gujarat state, Western India, has seen the installation of more than 16,000 residential systems and over 700 commercial solar water heating systems since the Municipal Corporation implemented a solar building bye-law in March 2004.
Photo: Jaideep Malaviya

Solar air drying increases the competitiveness of India’s agricultural sector: For five years now, farmer Girishbhai Patel has been using a solar air dryer to accelerate the drying of tomatoes. The investment paid off in just four years.
Photos: Malaviya Energy Consultancy

At the end of January 2010, the government of the western Indian state of Gujarat made a generous announcement: In promotion of grid-connected solar energy within the state's territory, a capacity of 716 MW of solar power is going to be distributed to 34 national and international project developers. The share of solar photovoltaics and Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants is said to be 365 MW and 351 MW, respectively.

The Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research Institute (SPRERI) organized a one day workshop on solar thermal drying at the end of March 2010. Its aim was to intensify the efforts of tapping into the national market potential for using solar applications to dry agricultural products.
Photo: Jaideep Malaviya

Showcase: These parabolic dishes supply a solar air-conditioning plant of a hospital in Gujarat state in western India and replace 1 ton of wood consumption every day. Photo: Gadhia Solar Energy Systems

Gujarat Borosil Limited introduced a component to the market of flat plate collectors: the low iron glass cover. Pradeep Kheruka (right), Chairman and Managing Director, and his son Shreevar, Vice President, presented it at the Renewable Energy India Expo 2009.
Photo: Jaideep Malaviya