BANGALORE: Here is some hope for those having sleepless nights over frequent power cuts. A resident of H S R Layout and an IIT-Mumbai alumnus Ravi Shankar has used the free space on his rooftop to generate electricity using solar energy but it is unlike the domestic solar water heater system that uses heat from the sun’s radiation. NRTSPS (Nano Roof Top Solar Photovoltaic Systems) is the first of its kind in India and has been approved and certified by the CPRI (Central Power Research Institute), BESCOM, Electrical Inspectorate and the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).He is not alone in this green initiative. An entrepreneur John Cyriac is the brain behind the project, titled SunPV Energy.The system has 12 solar panels imported from Europe and produces 160 units of power. The best part of the system is that the electricity generated can be used for your own domestic usage and the surplus can be stored in a maintenance-free VRLA battery at night as reserve. Moreover, the electricity generated can be sold to the State Utility Provider (BESCOM in our case) using a 25 year PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) with a profitable payback plan and various tax benefits. It is fitted with a remote data monitoring system, which helps you keep a track of the energy generated by the plant, pilferage etc.When City Express visited this eco-friendly home, the digital bi-directional energy meter near the entrance, fitted to measure the amount of power generated, supply into the grid and also to measure the consumption, caught immediate attention. When questioned about the current reading, Ravi smiled and said, “The electricity produced is surplus at the moment and BESCOM will have to pay me for this.” As much as it sounds unreal, this can become a reality if the immense power of solar energy is tapped efficiently. Ravi added, “According to the KERC (Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission) state order, they are offering `14.50 per unit. BESCOM has offered only `6 per unit. Since the differential composition is yet to be figured out, as of now I’m supplying power free of cost to BESCOM.” When speculations are rife on the possibility of dark days ahead and the grim power situation in the state, this initiative certainly provides a ray of hope. When we asked Ravi Shankar on the inspiration behind this project, he said, “An article on solar energy in a National Geographic magazine, issue dated September 2009, is what got me thinking. I wondered, why don’t we try this is in India.” He added, “For every `100 paid by the State Utility Provider, `30 is lost.” India’s electricity grid has the highest transmission and distribution losses in the world — A whopping 27 per cent, according to World Resources Institute. Also, for the excess power generated, one can avail Ministry of New and Renewable Energy subsidies for the total cost of the system. Corporate offices too can enjoy subsidies. This system could save an average of one tonne of CO2 per year, which is as good as more than 30 tonnes in its lifetime. So, if you have unutilised space in your roof top, generate your own electricity. For additional information, free assessment of your rooftop and investment illustration, visit http://www.sunpvenergy.com/signup or E-mail [email protected]
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