Turning green: 662 Corporation buildings to become solar energy harvesters

According to a Corporation official, the subject would be further discussed in Chennai Smart City board meeting to be held on Saturday. “We have conducted surveys on nearly 2,000 Corporation buildings with the help of a private consultant and identified 1,378 buildings suitable for installing solar panels,” the official said.

Although the original plan under Smart City Mission is to tap 5,639 KWp solar energy from 1,378 building, the civic body had decided to implement the project in a phased manner. 

“During the first phase, we have selected 662 buildings, and the solar panels will be provided and installed by three contractors in five packages. The works will finish before February 2019,” the official said. In the first phase, 3,064 KWp solar energy will be generated at a cost of Rs.21.36 crore.

According to a recent special council resolution, KCP Engineers Private Limited would install panels in 164 buildings in Teynampet and Kodambakkam zones. “Sabhari Electricals will install panels in 95 buildings in Tiruvottiyur and Tondiarpet zones, while Green Field Solar will undertake the work in 403 buildings in remaining zones. Work orders were issued, and the works will commence soon,” the resolution read. The contractor would maintain the solar panels for five years and the move would save nearly Rs 4 crore per year on electricity bill.

Explaining other initiatives taken by the civic body in conserving energy, the official said it has completed installing 1.10 lakh LED streetlights in the core city area. 

“In the newly added areas, 17,302 new LED streetlights are being installed.” Recently, tenders for installing 2,000 LED lights in Madhavaram zone was floated.

In December 2016, the Corporation had consumed nearly 97 lakh units of electricity. But it reduced power consumption to 73.36 lakh units in July 2018. “It is noteworthy that we used 15,000 streetlights lesser in July 2018 compared to what we had in December 2016,” the official said.