The Jharkhand government has set an ambitious goal of providing 1,000 villages with solar lights across the state under Jharkhand State Solar Policy 2022, of which 200 villages will be solarized in the first phase by 2023, as Giridih prepares to become the state's first solar city. According to a statement from the office of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the integration of solar power into the rural economy will strengthen rural education and health services, strengthen rural income generation, and create a variety of job opportunities. “As a first step, Giridh is being developed as a solar city. Here, a total of 17 MW capacity units are being set up for domestic consumers, 5 MW for commercial sector rooftop power plants, 1 MW for solar street lights and 18 MW for ground-mounted solar power plants. In the first phase, the process of installing 5 MW rooftop panels for domestic consumers is on.” According to officials, the state energy department is working on modalities for electrifying villages through community-based solar installation under the policy. “For this, attempts are on to remove all the deterrents by converting key establishments in rural areas like health centers, schools and police stations solar powered. This will also help energy generation which can be used to light up local shops, help agricultural releated activities and powering medium and small scale industries to bypass traditional electricity requirements,” the statement said. According to a Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (JREDA) official, “A few parameters have been set up to identify villages that are to be chosen for phase wise solarisation. For example, a village where electricity is still alien, places of high agricultural importance, heavy-density hotspots for alternative power sources among others are being finalised. Respective districts after short listing will recommend the places for this scheme.” Districts have also been directed to identify village land banks that can be used to lay solar panel web.“Thrust is being given to explore the possibilities and potentials of using solar energy to facilitate livelihood opportunities in the villages,” he added. See also: JREDA announces tender for 2 MW canal-top solar plantJREDA Announces Tender for 2 MW Canal-Top Solar Plant in Ranchi