Corporation buildings to go solar soon

The move is focussed towards harnessing natural resources and reducing expenditure, said KS Kandasamy, Deputy Commissioner (Works), Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). “The is a part of the Smart City project and the budget will be allocated for the same. Currently, a consultant has been appointed to conduct the feasibility study for installation of solar rooftop panels. The consultant will also be studying the functioning of these panels in government buildings in the city, where this technology has already been installed,” said the official. 

A senior Corporation official, who is also a part of the project, pointed out that the buildings have been identified across the city. “This will not only include the zonal offices but also schools run by the Corporation. Around 1,800 buildings have been identified. Once the DPR is completed, we will be proceeding with this project,” added the senior official.

Industry experts say that government buildings can bring down their dependence on conventional energy sources, by installing the solar panels. V Tamilvannan, Design Engineer, Abhi Energy Pvt. Ltd., an empanelled installer with Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA), explained, “A single solar panel can generate around 300-320 watts and will require an area of 2 sqm. For 1 Kilowatt, which can generate around 4.5 units a day, three solar panels will be required. In Chennai, five units can be generated during summer, while three in winter. If government offices can install these panels, there will be a reduction in consumption of electricity. In village municipalities, a 5 kilowatt solar plant is enough to take care of the consumption. Only night consumption will be relied on TNEB. The degree of reduction in consumption varies.

For example, a municipal office requires 15 units/day but has space only for 3 or 5 kilowatt installations, for reducing the consumption of electricity by 30-40%.”