36 Municipal Schools in Mira Bhayandar to be solarised by MBMC

The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC), Thane, is taking significant steps to enhance energy efficiency by initiating the installation of rooftop solar plants across all municipal schools in the twin-city. Currently, there are 17 structures accommodating 36 municipal schools run by MBMC. The estimated cost of the solar power project is Rs. 50 lakh, with funding allocated from the central government under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

These MBMC schools provide education in Marathi, Urdu, Hindi, Gujarati, and semi-English mediums up to the 10th standard.

The implementation of the project will follow a gross metering model, wherein the entire electricity generated will be fed into the grid of the power service provider. Once the rates are determining, the metered units will be subtracted from the overall power consumed by municipal properties. This approach is expected to significantly reduce monthly bills and contribute to saving funds from the civic budget.

As per reports, in addition to the school buildings, solar panels are also being installed on the municipal hospital in Mira Road by MBMC, aiming to decrease power consumption and generate cost savings that can be redirected for other beneficial purposes.

MBMC believes that the adoption of solar energy in schools not only fosters a greener future but also encourages students to actively participate in community-driven change.

The civic administration ensures that the installation of solar panels has no adverse impact on the structural integrity of school or hospital buildings. This commitment reflects the municipality’s dedication to implementing sustainable energy solutions, addressing concerns related to climate change and global warming.

Previously, MBMC had replaced energy-intensive bulbs with LED lights as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance energy efficiency.

Solarisation of Schools

School properties offer great opportunities to the municipal corporations to harness solar power and achieve their renewable energy targets. Schools on the other hand have a reliable source of power, lesser power bills and motivation for the young ones.

After solarising hundreds of schools in Telangana, the state government has targeted to put solar panels on the buildings of over 5200 schools to decentralise electricity generation and make the schools free from power shedding challenges. The plan involves installing solar power plants in a total of 5,267 schools, which includes 4,600 government and local body high schools, 475 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), and 192 Model Schools.

The Odisha Government has decided that 535 total state-run schools in the coastal district of Ganjam will be equipped with solar power systems in a phased manner. The school facilities are expected to become smart and efficient with a smart class, smart lights, fans, e-library, interactive panels, laboratory, lights in the toilets and verandah of each school shall be illuminated with solar power.