Pondicherry University saves more than Rs 1 crore per year on electricity expenditures because of the installation of 2.4 MW rooftop solar power plants, spread across the campus at a cost of Rs 13 crore.
The plant was planned, erected, and financed by Renewable Energy Service Firm (Resco), an electricity service company that distributes energy to users from renewable energy sources.
Resco operates and administers the rooftop solar power facility, which is installed on 15 buildings, as well as automobile porches in two sites across the university campus. The energy generated by the project is supplied to the institution.
This project has produced really positive outcomes. Non-conventional energy produced for internal use will now meet one-third of the electricity requirements of the Pondicherry University campus, said K Mahesh, assistant registrar (public relations). The institution spends around Rs 75 lakh each month on power.
The rooftop solar facility with world-class electrical infrastructure also resulted in a one-third reduction in energy costs with little power disturbance and lower upkeep costs. Above all, on this green campus, carbon emissions up to 2,900 tonnes per year would be prevented, he added.
Vice-Chancellor Gurmeet Singh showed a significant interest in the utilization of non-fossil energy sources, saving energy and lowering its cost by switching from traditional to energy-efficient LED lighting.
The university has now suggested that 139 multifunction metres be installed, as well as an energy management software to check the quality and quantity of electrical power given to the end-user from the comfort of a desktop, Mahesh explained.
