IIIT-A to generate electricity through solar panels on boys’ hostel

Giving boost to new and renewable energies in India, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad (IIIT-A) is installing solar panels on the roof of its boys’ hostel with an aim to generate 300kw electricity.

As many as 940 solar panels and 10 inverters have been installed on the roof of Fifth Boys Hostel of the institute. Power generation will start in May this year. Excess electricity generated by the plant, if any, will also be made available to the power grid, which can be used by others.

The prestigious educational institute hopes to meet its own power demand by this initiative.

“The mission is in line with the joint initiative of the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) and ministry of HRD to make campuses of technical institutions solar-energy efficient. The plant will make us less dependent on power grid supply and make our own system more reliable. We will use the opportunity to enhance associated teaching and research activities,” said Professor GC Nandi, officiating director of IIIT-A in conversation with The Hindustan Times.

“The plant will enable us to reduce electricity bills and the investment will be covered in coming years. This is not just an initiative to save money and reduce our carbon footprint, but also an opportunity to understand how these systems function,” he added.

This solar plant will cost more than Rs 2,18,70,000. After subsidy of Rs 53,54,820 the net amount payable by the institute will be Rs 1,65,15,180.

IIT-A has alloted the contract of this project to Fourth Partner Energy Pvt Ltd  who will design, supply, test and commission including warranty, operation and maintenance for the 300kw grid-tied solar power plant for a period of five years.