Mulund Darshan, located in Mulund West is one of the latest societies in Mumbai to harness solar power for their electricity requirements.
The J and K buildings of the society have installed a solar system of 11.05 kWp capacity consisting 34 panels utilizing about 1000 sq. feet area on the roof. The solar PV system will cover for 81% of the society’s electricity requirements.
“The grid connected rooftop PV system will generate approximately 16,900 units in a year that will result an annual savings of INR 1,34,000. It will be lighting up the common areas of the society including lifts, staircase lightings, and water pumps for the wings J and K” said Animesh Manek, Founder and Director, Avishakti Rooftop Solar, the firm that installed the rooftop PV system.
The net metering policy facilitates the solar system to be connected with the electricity grid. Whatever units get generated from the system are utilized and the rest are sent back to the grid. Any additional units required are taken from the grid. This way, at the end of the year you pay only for the ‘net’ units consumed.
“Installing a rooftop solar system comes with an initial cost that’s a bit high. While evaluating the option, we had extensive discussions with Avishakti team about the system’s durability, lifespan, and the generation. We figured that we will be able to recover the cost in the next 4 and a half years. As the system will run for 25 years and demands no maintenance—it made sense for us”, said Mr. K.R. Ramakrishnan, member of Mulund Darshan society.
The residents of Mulund Darshan housing society have been at the forefront in adopting renewable means in their lifestyle including composting and electronic waste recycling. Continuing with their streak of adopting recycling and renewable means of energy, it was time for them to reach out for the sun this time. The rooftop PV system will result in reduced CO2 emissions equivalent of 15.30 tonnes.
Mr. S. Balasubramaniam, a society member explains, “we are constantly striving to include environment friendly ways of living and have taken several steps to encourage everyone to be more responsible towards our ecosystem. Adopting solar power is a much appreciated inclusion in that. We believe steps taken like these make all the difference.”
Given the cost and environment benefits, a lot of residential societies have been opting for solar. “We admire Mulund Darshan’s commitment towards sustainable way of living. We’re seeing a lot of enthusiasm towards solar power in residential societies. Though they face issues due to lack of awareness about the technology and a bit high initial cost, they definitely are very welcoming of the idea” explained Animesh.
For more information, please contact:
animesh@avishaktisolar.com, +91 8169822469
suruchi.p.sharma@gmail.com, +91 9833691415
