With the solar economics now become extremely lucrative, several developers in Kolkata are eyeing solar rooftop in their housing projects to offset electricity requirements in common areas and reduce maintenance charges.
The 30 lakh sq ft housing project on a 23acre plot in Serampore (Kolkata) will utilize 2 lakh sq ft roof area in the 24 G+12 towers to produce 1.5 MW electricity (18 lakh units).
“This will power around 90% of the common area, including the club, elevators, sewage treatment plant, pumps, staircase and landing lights, street lights, leading to a saving of Rs 1.25 crore per year.
This will substantially reduce maintenance charges to under Rs 1 per sq ft, ensuring that those who buy these low-cost apartments also find it affordable to live in them,” said Eden Realty chairman Sachchidanand Rai.
According to Piyush Sharma, director of India operations of Enact Systems Inc of US that does both solar rooftop project planning and management, it will be the second-largest solar integrated residential project in the world after Québec in Canada.
Two other housing projects that are under construction in Kolkata will also have rooftop solar facility — 220 KW at Solaris Bonhooghly and 400 KW in Solaris Joka.
Many more housing projects will go solar with the cost of solar installation coming down from Rs 13 per kwh to Rs 4.
Reference- ET, Down To Earth