Berhampur: The Berhampur University authorities will install a 20 KW rooftop solar plant to light up the administrative building. The work expected to start in a week will be completed in a month. In the second phase, the project will be implemented in 18 hostels and central library.
“We aim to illuminate the entire university with solar power in phases and to make the institute energy-independent,” said Geetanjali Dash, the vice chancellor. The move will not only reduce the university’s electricity bill but also help students in studies as there will be no power cuts, she said. The university pays around Rs 7 lakh to Rs 8 lakh every month as electricity bill.
The university power system is often threatened by cyclones as the institute is located close to the Bay of Bengal. The power systems in the university was damaged in Phailin in October 2013 and it took around a month to restore power supply. “The solar power system will be cyclone-proof. The university’s energy independence will create awareness about renewable energy,” said the vice-chancellor.
The state-owned Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) will install the roof-top solar plant. The university has deposited around Rs 15.4 lakh of total cost of Rs 31 lakh with OREDA for the first phase of work.
Source: PTI
