Solar systems made mandatory in all private schools in Haryana
Gurgaon: In a move to enhance self-sufficiency, the Haryana Government has made mandatory for all private schools to install solar systems. The government is also doling out a special grant at a rate of Rs 20,000 per kilowatt to schools complying with the orders.
An official spokesperson confirmed that the incentive is being given on the first-come first serve basis to schools. He further added that during the summer vacations of the schools, the electricity to be generated from these solar power plants would be added to the grid, the record of which would be maintained through net metering. The schools would be required to pay a bill only for the electricity consumed in excess of the electricity generated by the power plants.
The order comes close on the heels of Gurgaon being declared the most polluted city. The move is expected to not only augment electricity generation in the power-hungry state but also reduce carbon emissions significantly. It is also expected to sensitize the students about the significance of clean energy.
Some schools in Gurgaon are moving towards that direction. Ajanta Public School located in Sector 31, has set 265 kw solar panels at the rooftop and is in process to enhance it to 500 kw with approaching summers. DPS Sushant Lok is also in a process of setting up a 50kv solar plant in their school.
Whereas few schools in Gurgaon have already taken a step in that direction. Suncity World School in Sector 54 has installed a 77kw solar plant, which produces 8,500 units of electricity per month.
“While education is not one of India’s most energy-intensive sectors, technology developments, including increasing use of computers, laboratories and public address systems, are driving a growing demand for electricity. We have installed a 77kw solar plant in our school that produces 8,500 units,” Rupa Chakravarty, Principal of Suncity World School, said.
Pathways World School has also collaborated with Rotary Club of Delhi Imperial to install solar generation units of 5kw in two government schools located at Gurgaon’s Aklimpur and Bass villages. Among others who have already taken the initiative are Open Sky School and Scottish High International School 57 has powered all its outdoor lights with solar energy. The school plans to shift to solar energy entirely by soon.
Not only schools, some Universities have also already embarked on this move. Based on a green audit, 150 KW rooftop solar PV system has been installed at the Northcap University’s parking area. Amity University, Manesar has also installed a 1KW solar plant at their campus to generate electricity.
“The university has taken several initiatives to sensitize students about the importance of renewable energy. Ours is possibly the first and only university to install a modern and efficient 150kw solar power system with a net metering facility. We have also installed latest equipment for energy conservation and water harvesting as well,” Col Bikram Mohanty (Retd), Registrar of NorthCap University, said.
There are approximately 200 public/private schools in Gurgaon and the government is hoping that its move will be a game-changer.