The government offices in Vizianagaram district, including the Collectorate, the Zilla Parishad and the municipal offices are making extensive use of solar energy to meet their power needs.
The Collector’s office emerged as the first in the State to use solar power to meet its power requirements.
Self-reliance
The solar panels with installed capacity of 160 KWP are producing 1.71 lakh units per year. As the monthly requirement of the Collector’s office is around 18,900 units, it is able to save around ₹3 lakh per month.
“The government spent around ₹98 lakh for the installation of solar power panels. We will get back the investment within three years. Huge amount can be saved every month once the initial expenditure is recovered,” Collector Vivek Yadav told The Hindu .
“We have been asking hotels, commercial complexes and other organisations to opt for solar power since it would be a clean and renewable resource. Maintenance is also cost-effective.”
With the suggestion from former Union Minister for Civil Aviation P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, the Zilla Parishad and the municipality have also opted for solar energy.
The civic body spent around ₹4.8 crore for the establishment of a massive plant at Dwarapudi. It generates up to 4,500 units per day.
The municipality would be able to get back its investment within five years, according to officials.
Zilla Parishad chairperson Sobha Swati Rani said the ZP was able to save ₹3.96 lakh per year with the installation of solar panels.
“Mr. Ashok Gajapathi Raju’s foresight helped save a lot on the electricity bills. We have been urging the local bodies in the mandals and villages to opt for solar energy since they don’t have funds to meet their electricity bills,” she added.
