The government proposes to replace kerosene lanterns in the rural areas by solar lanterns on a large scale. 

It is estimated each solar lantern can help save about 50 liters of kerosene every year by replacing kerosene lanterns.

Addressing leading solar lantern manufacturers of the sector at the ministry yesterday, Vilas Muttemwar, minister of state for new and renewable energy discussed the government's expansion plans for large scale introduction of solar lanterns in the rural areas.

He explained that the better quality of light of a solar lantern would also help the children in their studies and encourage productive works apart from avoiding health hazards associated with the poor quality light and the pollution due to burning of kerosene.

Widespread use of solar lanterns would also enable the government to save on kerosene subsidy with the introduction of solar lanterns, he added.

Representatives of the industry say the Indian photovoltaic industry is fully geared to enable the government meet its objective as the industry can supply up to four million solar lanterns per year.

Ministry officials discussed various issues relating to manufacturing, distribution, after-sales services and product quality, with the manufacturers attending  the meeting.

The representatives reaffirmed that the quality of the product developed in the country provided better lighting and reliability and would pose no problems to the proposed switchover from kerosene lamps to solar lanterns in the rural areas.