According to reports, the Marathwada Institute of Technology (MIT) here inaugurated its 100-Kilowatt peak (kWp) solar photovoltaic power plant that would help reduce the burden of depending on conventional electricity by almost 30% in its campus. It is one of the major projects of its kind in the region.
Speaking at the inauguration, state education minister Rajendra Darda said that such a move would inspire others in the city and the region to opt for green energy. “Solar energy is a clean energy source and also requires the least maintenance compared to methods used for generation of conventional energy. Though other big companies have taken steps in this regard, more efforts should be taken to opt for clean sources of energy,” he said.
In total, around 774 modules have been installed.
Darda said that such projects would also be planned in the Shendra industrial belt. However, he expressed concern over its feasibility saying that it would required around five acres of land spread with solar panels to generate one megawatt of electricity.
Also expressing concern over garbage disposal issue in the city, he urged the MIT to take up an initiative to chalk out methods to convert garbage for generation of electricity. “Efforts should be made to identify 10 schools from the region having information and technology infrastructure that face heavy power cuts because of which they fail to be benefitted. These schools would be provided solar powered electricity which can be extended to other schools after completion of the project,” Darda said.
Munish Sharma, general director of the institute, said that with this new set-up the aim is to utilise maximam quantity of non-conventional energy to save electricity bills to the tune of Rs 1 lakh per month. “The project would also benefit students in their practical labs,” he added.