UT mulling solar rooftops for three stadia

Deepankar Sharda

Chandigarh, July 3

The UT Engineering Department in collaboration with the Chandigarh Renewal Energy Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST) is planning to come up with 100Kwp rooftop grid tied solar photovoltic power plants at the three local stadiums.

The rooftop grid is likely to be installed at the Sports Complex, Sector 42, Cricket Stadium, Sector 16 and the Football Stadium, Sector 17. 

The rooftop solar plants will produce over 1 lakh units of electricity per year. With the installation of rooftop grid, the sports complexes will have their own backup electricity (besides generators) for hosting major tournaments. 

The rooftop solar plants will meet the power needs of the sports complexes and supply the surplus power to the electricity department. The rooftop grid can be a big source of energy for the Day-night matches at these venues. 

The capacity of the rooftop grid may be increased to 457Kwp from 100Kwp, if required.  

“We are planning to introduce a pilot project at the three venues. The electricity produced will help in saving money and ensuring flexible timing for the conduct of matches. Although the rooftop grid will produce only 1 lakh units per year but the surplus power, during off seasons, may be used by the electricity department. The plan is yet to be discussed with the higher authorities,” said a source in the engineering department. The total project is expected to cost Rs 90 lakh for the three arenas. The three venues host a majority of the events in the city. The football stadium in Sector 17 hosts second Division I-league/Youth League matches. 

There is a possibility of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) hosting matches under the lights here. 

The Sector 42 sports complex also hosts international hockey matches.  The offices of Chandigarh Sports Department and Council, Sports Authority of India (SAI) regional centre, and other coaching centres are also situated here.  The rooftop grid may also help Sector 16 cricket stadium in powering the floodlights for cricket matches lights to glow bright without heavy gen-sets.