More and more of the capital’s best known monuments may now be illuminated through solar energy. Building on the experience gained over the last three years and keen on promoting the use of environment—friendly solar energy, the Delhi government plans to light up more of the capital’s historical sites through cheap and plentiful energy from the sun. The 13th century Qutub Minar, the 17th century red sandstone Red Fort and the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb — all declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites — are among the six sites where the Delhi government plans to install solar power plants to replace conventional sources of electricity. “We are planning to install solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems on the premises of heritage sites and historical monuments where footfalls are higher,” a Delhi government official told IANS. SPV cells convert sunlight into electricity. “Now, these monuments and sites will be illuminated at night by solar energy,” the official added. He said the environmental—friendly step would promote the use of solar energy in the capital. “We have already illuminated two tourist spots — Jantar Mantar and Safdarjung’s Tomb — by installing solar plants on their premises,” the official said. These solar power plants were set up in 2009. Installed at a cost of Rs. 25 lakh, the plant at Jantar Mantar generates nine kilowatts of power while the plant at Safdarjung’s Tomb produces 10.4 KW which can light up the site for more than four hours. Seeing the success at these sites, the authorities thought of replicating it at other sites too that attract a lot of tourists. “Sites like Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort and Qutub Minar come under the Archaeological Survey of India. We will have to take permission from them as they protect these sites,” another official said.IANS