The Mangalore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) on Saturday formally came to be the first urban development authority in the State to install rooftop solar power unit on its building.
J.R. Lobo, MLA and Ivan D’Souza, MLC, inaugurated the facility in the presence of MUDA Chairman Kodijal Ibrahim.
A 25 kWp solar grid-tied power system costing Rs. 27.20 lakh was installed through Orb Energy on the terrace of MUDA building at Urvastore in the city. With this, Mangalore Urban Development Authority building became the second building in Mangaluru after the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada to get such a facility.
Speaking on the occasion, MUDA Commissioner Mohammed Nazeer said with the solar power unit, the Authority would save up to Rs. 25,000 a month on power bills.
He said the Authority had informally commissioned the unit on April 28 and so far generated over 1,000 units of power. About 120 units of power is generated each day through the unit, he said.
Mangalore Urban Development Authority would stand to gain by selling excess power to Mangalore Electricity Supply Company, he added.
Mr. Lobo urged the Mangaluru City Corporation to explore the possibility of installing solar power units at its sewage treatment plants and water supply units thereby reducing the financial burden.
He said Dakshina Kannada district, which gets sunlight for about 300 days a year, is highly suitable for solar power production.
The corporation too would follow suit soon, said Mayor M. Harinath, who also hinted that the civic body is planning to enable all street lights to function with solar power. The district administration has also asked the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat to install rooftop solar power unit on its building as well as to encourage gram panchayats to follow the same.
