Grid Rooftop Solar Commercial Connections Gain Traction In Punjab; Capacity Rise To 43 MW

Punjab, Jul 15 (KNN) Solar power is gaining significant traction in Punjab's commercial sector as businesses seek to reduce their electricity costs.

This shift towards sustainable energy, which began modestly in 2015, has seen remarkable growth over the past decade.

Recent data from the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) reveals that there are now over 1,200 grid rooftop solar (RTS) connections in the state, with a combined load of 43 MW. This marks a substantial increase from the insignificant production levels of just a few kilowatts in 2015.

Two mega solar plants at Dera Radha Soami Satsang Beas are leading the charge, boasting a combined capacity of about 2 MW. These installations exemplify the potential for large-scale solar adoption in the region.

Both the union and state governments have been actively promoting the transition to solar power, citing its environmental benefits and potential to reduce dependence on costly conventional electricity.

However, the introduction of free power schemes in some districts has slowed the rate of new installations in the domestic sector.

For instance, in one district, only 264 new connections were added since July 2022, compared to 944 connections prior to the free power initiative. Despite this slowdown, high-consumption commercial entities continue to embrace solar energy.

Several notable institutions have adopted solar power in recent years. Punjab Naatshala installed a 20 kW solar panel in 2016, cutting its power expenses by 75 per cent.

The Khalsa College Governing Council has implemented solar power across most of its 18 educational institutions. Guru Nanak Dev University installed a 3 MW rooftop solar plant in 2018 under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission.

In 2019, the Punjab State War Memorial and Museum became the first government building in the city to use solar power under the Smart City project.

The Golden Temple, under the management of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, installed a solar power plant in 2021, with plans to expand to other gurdwaras.

Other significant installations include those at Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport, Amritsar railway station, and various government institutions.

This shift towards solar power in Punjab's commercial sector represents a significant step towards sustainable energy practices and cost reduction.

(KNN Bureau)