DU college harvests solar energy to bring down costs, sells surplus

A Delhi University college has found a unique way of conserving power. While the government’s plans to harvest renewable energy in a big way is still on the drawing board, Shyamlal College on city’s eastern periphery is harvesting solar power not only to meet its own ends but also to sell the extra power generated to the national grid.

The project, involving connectivity of 100KW Rooftop Solar Power Plant has been installed. The system is made up of almost 100 solar panels that are arranged into multiple rows that work to produce electricity on the college buildings’ rooftop. According to Principal Dr Rabi Narayan Kar: “The project is able to meet 50 per cent of our peak demands on working days and on non-productive days and holidays when the power demand is low, surplus power goes back to the grid for which the College gets due credit as the balance amount is deducted from the monthly electricity bill.”

According to the principal, Shyamlal College (SLC) took the initiative not for just commercial purposes. “The college is committed to utilising state-of-the-art technologies that lower costs, enhance operations and conserves energy. The successful completion of this project displays sensitivity to issues like climate change and environmental degradation.”

The project has been completed before the deadline and would lead to 55 per cent of energy saving and the surplus power, going back to the grid, would be used for the consumption of Delhiites. “Solar is a cost-effective, reliable, non-polluting energy solution that will lower our electricity costs and contribute to the overall environmental health of the neighbourhood. The Solar Power Project installation will be fully functional from October 2016.

Summing up the spirit and concept of the project, Dr Kar said: “We have embraced solar power to contribute to the country’s inclusive efforts to attain sustainability, energy independence and to build ‘Green India’ through harnessing plenteous solar radiation available in this region of the country and to accomplish energy security for the country”.