Schools, varsity switch to solar energy to save on power bills - Hindustan Times
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Schools, varsity switch to solar energy to save on power bills

By, Gurgaon
Jan 18, 2016 01:21 AM IST

Suncity World School, Scottish High International School, Open Sky School, Pathways World School and NorthCap University, among others, have installed solar plants.

In an attempt to dodge Haryana’s sky-rocketing power tariff, many private schools and universities in Gurgaon are installing solar generation plants in their campus.

High rates of diesel and power tariff in the city are among the reasons for switching to non-conventional sources of energy.(HT File Photo)
High rates of diesel and power tariff in the city are among the reasons for switching to non-conventional sources of energy.(HT File Photo)

Suncity World School, Scottish High International School, Open Sky School, Pathways World School and NorthCap University, among others, have installed solar plants.

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The move will help reduce rising air pollution levels in Gurgaon, which has seen a major increase in PM 2.5 levels last November and December. Additionally, as the state discoms struggle to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of power, Gurgaon reels under frequent and long power cuts. The crisis worsens in the summer, when residents depend on diesel generators.

Keeping this in mind, Suncity World School in Sector 54 has installed a 77kw solar plant, which produces 8,500 units of electricity a 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.

Similarly, Scottish High International School in Sector 57 has powered all its outdoor lights with solar energy. The school plans to shift to solar energy entirely by soon. “It is important for everyone to take eco-friendly steps collectively. We plan to install solar panels in the entire school. The panels have already been ordered. The other reason for using non-conventional sources of energy is the high rates of diesel and power tariff in the city,” said Sudha Gupta, principal of Scottish High International School.

Adding to the list, Pathways World School 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 colleges and universities, The NorthCap University in Sector 23A has installed a modern and hi-tech 150kw solar power system with a net metering facility in its parking lot.

“The university has taken several initiatives to sensitise 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,” said Col Bikram Mohanty (Retd), registrar of The NorthCap University.

Switching to a greener source of energy assumes importance in Gurgaon as the city had recorded a pollution level of 83.65 micrograms per cubic meter (mgpcm) in November, which shot up to 106.75 mgpcm by the first two weeks of December, according to the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB).

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