Solar Power Fills Mumbai Housing Society’s 81% Energy Demand

With the generation of 45-50 units per day the solar rooftop plant will generate 16,900 units in a year. The society also has a net metering policy that facilitates the solar system to be connected with the electricity grid.

To meet their electricity demands Mulund Darshan housing complex in Mulund (East) has shifted from conventional source of electricity to solar power thus becoming latest entry in the list of societies that have started using solar power to meet their electricity demands.

The plant installed on J and K wings of the housing society has 34 panels and is spread across 1000 sq. feet roof area with the total capacity of 11.05 KW. According to residents, the solar plant will cover 81% of the electricity requirements of the society.

Apart from lighting the houses the electricity will also be used in, water pumps and lifts for both J and K wings of the society.

“We are constantly striving to include environment-friendly ways of living and have taken several steps to encourage our residents to be more responsible towards our ecosystem. Adopting solar power is a much appreciated inclusion in that. We believe steps taken like these make all the difference,” said S Balasubramaniam, resident.

With the generation of 45-50 units per day the solar rooftop plant will generate 16,900 units in a year. An average two bedroom-hall-kitchen apartment in Mumbai consumes 10-12 units of electricity per day. The society also has a net metering policy that facilitates the solar system to be connected with the electricity grid.

“Units generated from the solar system will be utilized and the rest will be sent back to the grid. Any additional units required are taken from the grid. This way, at the end of the year, we pay only for the ‘net’ units consumed,” said Balasubramaniam.

The private firm that has installed the plant in the first week of March is of the opinion that it will reduce carbon dioxide emission of 15.30 tons in a year.

Animesh Manek, founder and director, Avishakti Solar said, “The system will result in annual savings of Rs 1, 34, 000. While the society’s current electricity bill is about Rs 14, 166 per month at Rs 7.9 per unit across five meters, electricity generated through solar will reduce the electricity bill to Rs 2,500 per month by combining all meters at Rs 10 per unit. This means, an 82% drop in electricity expenditure.”

Source: HT