Installation of solar lights at the tourism hot-spots proved to be a great success, as stated by an official from the District Tourism Promotion Council. The pilot project at Kovalam was carried out in association with Kerala State Industrial Enterprises, where 48 solar lights have been installed. The project cost was 31 lakhs.
Another 37 lamps were installed at Veli Tourist Village at a cost of 28.5 lakhs.
Solar lights are cost effective than electric lights. The lamps installed are with one year warranty and with five years maintenance contract. It also avoids the risk of power failure and safety concerns, as in the case of electric lighting.
Another key feature of the solar lamps installed is, it can be operated through the web, even from a mobile phone. It also has an alert system, which give notifications to the concerned people, if there any damage of malfunction. Unauthorized operation is not possible as there is a theft alarm in the system. It also record how much power has been consumed, it has a battery backup option as well.
Considering the multiple benefits of solar energy, the scheme may be extended to other tourist places also.
