KOCHI: Kerala has huge potential for solar power generation as the state has 22 lakh houses with uninterruptible power source (UPS) system, which can be converted for solar power generation, said Vinod Gopal, selection committee member, Maker Village.He was addressing a session on 'Startups in Renewable Energy Sector' on the concluding day of the KREEPA Green Power Expo organized by the Kerala Renewable Energy Entrepreneurs' and Promoters' Association (KREEPA) in association with the ministry of new and renewable energy, state government, ANERT and Suchitwa Mission.Solar panels cost only 40% of the cost required for installing solar plants, said Gopal, adding that as the UPS were already in place people need not to spend additional amount for the same.Speaking on the occasion, co-founder and CEO, C Electric Automotive Drives, a startup incubated in Maker Village, emphasized on the need to build an ecosystem favourable for the electric vehicles. "Now, electric vehicles are increasingly being promoted. But the question is whether we are ready for the huge rollout of electric vehicles. It's high time to give a focus for creating an ecosystem favourable for the same. At present, the components are imported mainly from China but their products are not suitable for our geographic conditions." He added that with the electric vehicles gaining acceptance, solar energy could be tapped for power generation to charge the vehicles.Meanwhile, Rohan Kalani, COO, Maker Village, said that with the increased government support, the companies in India were in a position to compete with Chinese companies.

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