Chennai Metro Rail will tap solar energy for all underground stations and select elevated stations in the coming months. Initially, they estimate to generate about 1.25 MW from this project and it will partially help in supplementing the power requirements of the station. However, officials did not disclose the estimated cost of the project.
For a start, the Saidapet bus station will be integrated with the underground Metro Rail station and solar panels will be installed on the roof of both structures.
According to a Chennai Metro Rail Limited official, the work to integrate the bus and rail stations and installation of solar panels will begin in 10-15 days. “We will integrate it in such a way that commuters exiting the Saidapet station can easily get to the bus station. Since it is a functional bus stop, it may take a few months to complete the work,” an official said.
400 KW panels
At this station, they will install panels for 400 KW, he added.
“It will not provide the full electricity supply for the station. But we can use it to operate lifts, escalators and lights,” he said. After Saidapet, CMRL will start work on installing solar panels at the Chennai Central Metro Rail station as well. Since it is the largest underground station in the city, officials say they may be able to get quite a good amount of solar power here. This apart, CMRL has started tapping 6 MW of solar power from the roofs of elevated stations.
But officials said it may take sometime to complete the project. Also, they have begun work on putting up solar streetlights at some stations such as Koyambedu, Alandur and Arumbakkam. It will be a 50W solar light with a lithium-iron battery backup.
