The use of solar energy to run various equipment has been increasing in the recent past. While the source of power is free, the mechanism to convert it into a usable form is expensive. But, the lack of understanding about solar energy for day-to-day purposes is limited making it less popular. However, 75-year-old Selvamma from Bengaluru uses it daily for roast corns that she sells on the street outside Vidhana Soudha building.

She has been roasting corn for 20 years and used to constantly fan the coal to roast corn. Recently she learned about solar-powered equipment that has made her work simpler. Selvamma told ANI that SELCO Foundation provided her with the portable solar-powered equipment. It has an adjustable DC fan, light fixtures and a lightweight lithium-ion battery. Selvamma said, "I live in a nearby NGO. It was earlier a challenge for me to roast corn. After seeing my struggle, these people provided me with this machine." Diu Runs Fully on Solar Energy! UT Sets a Fine Example for the Country.

Selvamma (Photo Credits: ANI)

While it earlier used to take 10 minutes to fan one corn, now with the help of solar-powered machine it takes only five minutes. Selvamma also used to have a tough time fanning the coal as it would leave her with severe pain in the hand. Sometimes the corn would get burnt or charred also. The machine also reduces the risk of pollution and causes no harm to people's health.

Selco Foundation’s chief operating officer Mohan Bhaskar Hegde told The Times of India said, "This is the pilot project. The eco-friendly solution ensures constant air flow, saves on coal consumption and reduces dust generation. Currently, the cost of the solar-run fan is Rs 9,000 as it is a pilot project and is expected to go down to Rs 6,000 as production catches speed.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 27, 2019 12:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).