Majority Of Punjab’s Govt Buildings Not Solarised, Indicates Data

Majority Of Punjab's Govt Buildings Not Solarised, Indicates Data

The latest data released by the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) reveals that the majority of government buildings in the state lack access to solar power. Most of these buildings do not have rooftop solar facilities, indicating a heavy reliance on grid electricity.

This data emerges at a time when several state governments are actively promoting solar energy adoption across the country. While publishing such a detailed list enhances transparency, it also highlights significant challenges faced in solarizing government buildings.

The list identifies 53,911 government buildings across Punjab, including offices, schools, mandis, and other facilities. Alongside highlighting the limited coverage of solar power in these establishments, the report outlines the potential for solar installations and provides details of the current status in each building.

For instance, the education department office in Sangrur has a rooftop solar capacity of 5 kW installed. The building, with an average electricity consumption of 15,000 kWh, has a total rooftop area of 13,500 square meters, including 1,000 square feet of shadow-free space suitable for solar panels.

By making this data publicly available, PEDA enables precise planning for solarization projects while also identifying the main hurdles preventing solar adoption.

Case Studies from the Report

1. Market Committee Building, Dhilwan:
   Under the agriculture department, this building has the potential for a 23 kW solar system. However, challenges such as shared metering with the “dana mandhi” load have delayed implementation.
2. Secretary Market Building, Amritsar:
   Safety concerns with the structure have deemed it unsuitable for solar power installation.
3. Punjab Skill Development Mission Buildings:
   Located on the second floor, these offices, under the Employment Generation and Skill Development & Training departments, cannot be solarized as they lack roof access rights.

The comprehensive government building report hosted on PEDA’s website not only underscores the untapped potential for solar energy but also sheds light on critical structural, logistical, and legal barriers. Addressing these issues could pave the way for more widespread adoption of renewable energy in Punjab’s government infrastructure.