A wind and solar hybrid power generation unit was commissioned at Latha Mathavan Group of Institutions at Kidaripatti near Alagarkoil on Saturday.
As part of the hybrid project, which will interchangeably supply electricity through a grid system and battery backup system, 82 solar panels with a capacity of 20 KW each and six windmills with a capacity of 5.1 Kwph have been installed on the terrace of the college buildings. “The college has already installed solar water heating systems in the mess as a pilot project. We decided to invest in an energy-efficient model of power generation which would benefit the students with continuous power supply, especially during power cuts,” said K. Mathavan, founder and chairman of Latha Mathavan Group of Institutions.
“While the initial investment is very high, the hybrid-power generation system will last for 25 years and there is an abundance of sunlight and wind here which will give uninterrupted power,” he said.
A. Ramya, Proprietor of Parshanya Power Solutions, which installed the unit, said that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) had sanctioned 20 projects in Tamil Nadu. She said the hybrid unit could generate up to 350 units of electricity daily which would take care of the power needs of the engineering college during the day and the battery backup would provide electricity to the men’s hostel.
“The Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) forwards proposals for the implementation of such renewable energy projects to the MNRE and make them eligible to receive substantial subsidy. The project here cost Rs. 98 lakh and they are now eligible to receive a subsidy of Rs. 50 lakh,” she said.
Stating that her company was one of the nodal agencies empanelled by the TEDA to implement such renewable energy projects, Ms. Ramya said she witnessed a slow but steady increase in institutions opting for energy-efficient solutions. “While most are apprehensive about the initial cost, there is a long-term benefit to it,” she said.
