GRID CONNECTED SOLAR ROOFTOP POWER PLANT INSTALLED IN STATE PARYAVARAN BHAWAN IN SHIMLA, HIMACHAL PRADESH

P aryavaran Bhawan, Department of Environment, Science & Technology HP, Shimla, has commissioned first gridconnected solar rooftop power plant of Shimla city having capacity of 35 kW. The solar plant was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Jai Ram Thakur on April 6, 2018. In his address he has urged all the government and private departments of the State to adopt renewable energy technologies such as solar plants, etc., in their office premises so that contribution towards saving of energy and environment conservation can be made. All residents should also adopt solar- based energy technologies so that everybody can contribute towards energy saving which in turn would also lead to revenue saving of the state and simultaneously reduce their carbon footprint and protect the environment for future generations.

The work of supply, installation, and commissioning of grid-connected rooftop solar power plant was awarded to M/s Solarshamps Engineers & Consultants, Parwanoo, District Solan. For the 35 kW capacity power to be produced, 112 solar panels of 315 W capacity per panel have been installed in the rooftop. This plant has been installed at the cost of Rs 19.23 lakh. One bi-directional meter has also been installed by HP State Electricity Board Ltd. for the functioning of solar power plant in the office premises of Department of Environment, Science & Technology which is essential for energy inflow and outflow from solar plant to main electricity grid. One Grid Tied Inverter/Power Conditioning Unit of 40 kW capacity has also been installed in the office premises.

Through this plant, solar power would be fed to main grid and therefore the consumption of electric power will be reduced. This will lead to power saving and would offset the carbon dioxide (CO2 ) in the atmosphere. It has been estimated that the return on the investment made on the installation and connection of rooftop solar power plant will be made in approximately 5 years which will lead to revenue saving of the Government. As per estimation, about Rs 97 lakh would be saved in next 25 years. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, through HIMURJA is providing 70% financial assistance for grid connected solar rooftop power plants in the State of Himachal Pradesh. The State Government has also agreed to provide financial assistance of 10% or Rs 4,000 per kW for the current financial year 2018/19.

Courtesy: Shri Panna Lal Sharma