DU college goes the green way, gets 77kW solar plant

■ Move to help cut power bill by 40- 50%, with savings of over ◗ The initiative is expected to generate 1,07,520 kWh of power per annum. The expected reduction in CO2 emission is 88.7 tonnes in a year. 5L annually for next 25 yrs

Delhi University’s Lakshmibai College has gone solar by installing a rooftop solar project on its campus.

Taking a major step towards becoming an environment friendly campus, the college has installed solar panels which would provide 77 kilowatts of electricity. The project is expected to reduce the electricity bill by 40 to 50 per cent with savings of over ` 5 lakh per annum for next 25 years.

The initiative was undertaken with the help of a private entity and the Delhi government’s power generation arm Indraprastha Power Generation.

The initiative is expected to generate 1,07,520 kWh of power per annum, reducing the college’s dependence on grid electricity. The expected reduction in CO2 emission is 88.7 tonnes in a year for the next 25 years.

The college has partnered with CleanMax Solar, which has provided solar power- based on the “pay as you go” or commonly known as “OPEX” model, at a tariff, 50 per cent cheaper than the prevailing grid electricity tariffs.

“Adopting solar power is a socially responsible step and ensures financial benefits which can be passed on to the development of the institute. We are extremely happy to be associated with CleanMax Solar to implement rooftop solar project at our campus. As an educational institute, we are committed to contribute to preserving the environment and also hope to create awareness about the solar technology among our students and patrons,” said Lakshmibai College principal Dr Pratyush Vatsala.

“The soaring pollution level and high carbon footprint in Delhi is an indication that more institutes and corporates in the city should adopt solar energy not only to save cost but also reduce dependence on the grid power or diesel generators which are not environment- friendly. For educational institutes, the cost saved can be invested in the development of infrastructure and technology upgrades to better equip students,” , CleanMax Solar CEO Gajanan Nabar said.