The HDh. Hanimaadhoo Council has decided to install solar panels at all residences on the island. 

Council member Ahmed Anaan said that installing solar panels at all homes is a campaign pledge of the five-MDP-member council. 

In a meeting held three weeks ago, the council decided to seek a party to conduct relevant surveys to implement the initiative. 

Anaan reflected that major projects conducted in many islands do not necessarily directly benefit the people. The electricity bill continues to rise from month to month, and financial burdens keep increasing, he said. 

Another reason for the installation of solar panels is to, to some extent, address issues with electricity services received by the island's five hundred or so homes. 

The solar panel installation is to be carried out in four separate phases. The council aims to complete the initial two phases before the end of their term. 

The council intends to install 3kW panels at each home. The installation of solar panels and inverters at all homes is estimated to cost approximately MVR 12 million. 

Anaan said that houses that wish to have solar panels installed can apply once the window is announced. All installation costs will initially be covered by the council. Later, half of the cost is to be paid in installments to the council by households, with the other half carried by the council.