Solar energy to pump water in Madanthyar gram panchayat
A solar-powered pump set was installed for pumping water from borewell for public consumption at Harabe in Madanthyar gram panchayat of Belthangady taluk. In fact, this is the first gram panchayat in Dakshina Kannada to install a solar-powered pump set.
The project was implemented under the 15th Finance Commission at a cost of Rs 4.53 lakh. Using solar energy, water will be pumped to the 50,000-litre water tank situated a few meters away from the borewell. For 300-foot deep borwell, five hp 25 stage capacity DC motor has been installed to supply water.
To harness solar energy, 300 ah 16 panels have been installed. Selco is maintaining the solar panels for five years. The gram panchayat was spending nearly Rs 18,000 as electricity bill for water supply per month. In addition, Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000 was incurred annually for the maintenance of the pump sets.
