Mumbai Temple Harnesses Solar Power to Reduce Annual Power Bills By 40 Percent

The prominent Manas Mandir derasar in Shahapur has installed solar rooftop panels that will reduce pollution and save 40 percent of its annual cost of electricity.

Many Mosques and temples in several parts of India have started to harness electricity from renewable energy sources. This time, the prominent temple in Mumbai, Manas Mandir derasar in Shahapur has installed solar rooftop panels that will reduce pollution and save 40 percent of its annual cost of electricity.

Manas Mandir is set amid a large 100 acre campus in Shahapur along the Mumbai-Nashik highway. The temple requires 250kW power to fulfil its requirements where about six lakh devotees arrive here from all parts of the country each year.

Rajesh Mammen of Excelsior Engineering, the firm which executed the task said, “This solar project is one of the largest rooftop projects around Mumbai. It will account for a third of their annual energy requirement, saving lakhs of rupees in electricity bills.”

“We have installed a 100kW solar power project on two rooftops, 70kW on the bhojanalay terrace and the remainder atop the yatri niwas. The system has the capacity to generate approximately 1.35-1.5 lakh units, generating an annual saving of Rs 15 lakh in electricity costs. It is aligned to the existing MSEB electric apparatus so its remaining requirement is easily met,” Mammen added.

In November, the first phase started generating solar power. “In the second phase next year, we hope to fully switch our 250 kW requirements to this system, altogether eschewing the need for MSEB electricity. Once we receive a net metering licence the excess power goes back to the grid and brings additional savings,” Temple trustee Minesh Shah said.

Since the panels became operational last month, several devotees are flocking to ask questions. “They are pleasantly surprised to see that with the advent of newer technology, solar energy can be harvested to operate all electrical appliances. Older systems only allowed users to operate basic appliances like lights and fans,” said Mammen.

The derasar invested Rs 40 lakh towards installation. “But it is a good investment because after all we ourselves are the customers. In any case banks offer such low rate of interest on fixed deposits these days so it is hardly fruitful to keep funds stowed away,” Shah said.

According to Mammen the solar modules are easy to maintain as well, they only need to be cleaned with rubber wipers during the morning and evening hours.

Source: ET