In order to introduce solar power innovations at a larger scale in Fiji, Anamalai Pillay, a Fiji-born Australian has invested $280,000 to set up his store at the Motorex Plaza in Navo, Nadi.

Solar Innovations and Electronics was inaugurated on Saturday by the Minister for Local Government, Housing, Environment, Infrastructure and Transport, Praveen Kumar.

Mr Kumar said this initiative was greatly in line with the government’s strategy to increase the use of renewable energy in the next years.

Mr Kumar said the shop was a contribution to restoring normalcy in the lives of the many who were affected by TC Winston in Nadi.

“You have done this not only by providing an alternative source of electricity but also through sustainable and environmentally friendly solar power technology,” he said.

Mr Kumar explained that Fiji has set for itself a target of increasing the renewable energy component of the electricity generation mix to 81 per cent in the next four years and a subsequent target of 100 per cent by 2030.

Mr Bala stated in order to set the target for renewable energy generation, it was assumed that an average annual investment in the order of FJ$54 million for 2014 to 2020 and slightly lower for the period of 2020-2030 would be done.

Meanwhile, Mr Pillay said he had seen many businesses sell solar power products however; they did not specialise in the field at large.

He hoped that this store will be able to deliver the message and action of protecting climate change here.

“We have brought solar innovation which is solar powered to reach each and every house to save money and to change the environment,” he said.

“We have a range of solar products including emergency backup lights that will come in hand during natural disaster periods or even in the days when we have power outages.

“It’s a great opportunity for locals and our prices are very low and people can take advantage of it.

“We need to make solar power systems friendly country and introduce it at large scale and make it affordable for the people.”

The newly-opened store has system packages to run fridge, washing machines, TV and other appliances including borehole water pumps and single and double solar panels.