"Spiritual and interfaith gurus have a large number of domestic and overseas followers who visit their 'ashrams' (hermitages), or meditation centres, in big numbers. So, we feel the gurus are ideally placed to showcase and demonstrate the values and virtues of solar energy to a global audience," Tripathi said.According to the government, in May, Radha Soami Dera in Amritsar became the world's largest single rooftop solar power facility. The dera's Rs 140 crore solar energy system, spread over more than 80 acres of rooftops, can generate an estimated 19MW of power.Not all ashrams are as large or resourceful, but even smaller ones with a few acres of land can use practical solar energy applications. Besides, solar power projects require open spaces for making best use of photovoltaic panels, which convert sunlight into electricity.No wonder a data bank of at least 100 large ashrams is being drawn up for seeking their cooperation and commitment for setting up solar power projects in return for a 'commitment certificate' that will recognise their contribution to the solar cause. "If we can get commitment of even 1MW of solar capacity from each ashram, it will be a big leap of faith and encourage others.

Source: Times of India September 11, 2016 20:55 UTC