Making a first step towards Smart City, school gets Solar power plant

Mangaluru: Roof top solar power plant was installed at St Joseph Higher primary school, Kankanady as first step towards making Mangaluru a ‘Smart City’, under installation of roof-top solar energy unit- movement led by MLC Ivan Dsouza here on February 18.

The unit was inaugurated by MP Oscar Fernandes. Speaking after the inauguration, Fernandes lauded Ivan for his initiative of saving energy in the district through installing solar plants. He also named Ivan the brand ambassador of solar energy movement in Karnataka.

The solar power system at the school has a capacity of 3kw On Grid net metering system and the total cost of the project is Rs 2,75,000.

Addressing the gathering Ivan said, “the monthly current bill of St Joseph school is Rs 982 and unit consumption of school is 136 unit. The solar power plant can yearly produce 3600 units and there is an added advantage of selling excessive units to the Mescom. So, the school can earn a monthly income of Rs 1586 by selling excessive units.”

Member of Legislative Council Ivan D’Souza had earlier promised to install roof top solar panel units in 50 government and aided schools, St Joseph Higher Primary school is one among them. The total cost of the project undertaken with leading name in solar system integration Raija Solar is Rs 1.75 cr.

The particular solar modules have got 90% efficiency for 10 years and 80% efficiency for 15 years.