The state would now have a solar policy which would introduce the concept of solar power parks, encouraging private solar power generation in the state. The policy would also suggest making solar geysers mandatory for buildings and solar panels on all the government establishments throughout the state.

The minister for power Chandrashekhar Bavankule informed that the state government would unveil the first ever solar policy of the state which would provide impetus to alternative energy generation initiatives in addition to providing solar pumps for the agricultural purpose. He said that the state has embarked upon providing five lakh solar pumps for agricultural purpose so that it would save massive amounts being provided for the power subsidy to farmers.

Bavankule informed that the state would be making it mandatory on all the government buildings to install solar panels and also introduce installation of solar LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) for street lights thereby reducing the consumption of electricity on a large scale. He also informed that the solar policy would encourage use of alternative energy devices and promote use of solar energy since Maharashtra receives sunlight for almost 310 days per year. He said that this source is untapped and the state would harness it for reducing the coal-based energy consumption by promoting use of solar energy.

The minister said that the solar policy would have important provision of solar parks which would encourage solar power generation by individuals. He informed that any individual having a small piece of land can go for generating solar power by installing solar panels and this energy can be bought by the state or local body for various purposes. He informed that the solar energy generated through such private solar parks would lead to reducing the burden on traditional energy consumption.

Bavankule said that after making it mandatory for government buildings to install solar panels, it could be also done for private buildings. He said that it could also be done that building permissions would be given only if solar geysers are installed. The minister informed that the solar policy would be brought out on February 24.