BANGALORE: People who have always wanted to install solar water heaters in their houses but had many unanswered questions can now call a helpline to sort out their queries. As part of its efforts under the National Solar Mission, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in association with the Solar Thermal Federation of India has started a toll-free voice activated national helpline on solar water heaters in order to raise awareness about the technology amongst the public. The helpline number is 1800 233 44 77The helpline will be active between 9.30 am to 6. pm from Monday to Friday and between 9.30 am to 1.30 pm on Saturdays. The helpline currently has two trained agents who will be able to offer assistance in Hindi as well as English. It is the country’s first helpline which would seek to answer customer queries about the solar thermal sector and its implementation in households.The solar water heater market in India ranks among the top ten in the world and government sources estimate the market to be worth about 140 million. This is the reason the MNRE has decided to establish a helpline in order to reach out to a large share of the citizens. “I have not used it myself yet but certainly this is a good step. Also, awareness on solar water heaters would help the consumers cut their costs as well,” said Mahesh, an interested buyer. “Specially for a city like Bangalore where rebates on electricity bills are available if solar water heaters are installed, this helpline would certainly ensure the news spreads to the optimum number of people,” he further added.The concept behind the helpline is to direct potential consumers to the nearest trader or supplier of solar water heaters in their region. The agents answering calls will also be able to provide information about potential benefits of shifting to solar incentives and financial options.“STFI will create a quarterly log of calls received on the helpline and submit it to the MNRE for study. The helpline will also have a complaint recording facility where consumers can lodge complaints regarding particular companies which would then be forwarded to them for resolution,” said Jaideep N Malaviya, STFI. “The government will also have a central database of information which would then enable them to further direct policy,” he added. With solar energy gaining popularity amongst public and corporate companies alike, such initiatives by the Government will certainly go a long way in achieving the aims and objectives of the National Solar Mission.
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