Hanimaadhoo to go solar, island-wide solar plan approved

Hanimaadhoo Council has resolved to install solar panels in all houses in Hanimaadhoo. Council vice-president Firaq Mohamed told Sun on Thursday that installing solar panels across all residences is a campaign promise of the council.

Firaq said the council will conduct a survey among residents this year as part of the preparations for the installation. He said the project will be carried out in four or five phases.

The cost of installing solar panels is estimated at MVR 10 million, though Firaq noted the exact figure will be known after the preliminary survey. While the council aims to install solar panels in every household, he said some homes may choose not to participate.

“For example, we are saying the council will give 50 percent and the other 50 percent will have to be paid by the owner. In that case, everyone might not want to,” he said.

Firaq added that several companies have already expressed interest in the project. Once completed, he said the initiative will bring electricity bills of ordinary households close to zero and significantly reduce the bills of larger homes.