Akal University gets 1.2 MW solar plant

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, March 30

A Himachal Pradesh-based NGO, Kalgidhar Society, has installed a solar plant of 1.2 MW capacity at Akal University, Talwandi Sabo. 

The grid of the model project is expected to meet 80 per cent of the power demand of the university. It will save 1,200 tonnes of carbon emission annually, thereby contributing to the clean and green environment.

The grid has been installed at a cost of Rs 5.2 crore and generated power will be consumed, while excess electricity will be sent to the grid via net metering.

Dr Gurmail Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Akal University, said, “A total of 3,750 panels have been set up under the project in around 1.2 lakh square feet area spread across 14 locations. The annual savings of the power bill will be more than Rs 1 crore. Overall, more than 84 per cent of the electricity bill of the university will get reduced. The carbon reduction impact of the project during its lifetime is equivalent to planting of 82 thousand trees which will add to energy and environmental conservation on the planet.”

Kalgidhar Society has set up 59 solar power plants so far in its academic institution in the region in order to meet its energy demand from clean fuel. This roof-top solar power plant will be inaugurated by Jatindra Nath Swain, managing director, Solar Energy Corporation of India, on April 2.