Switch to sun, slash power usage by 15%

• National News
• April 12, 2018

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad has the potential to generate close to 1,730MW (1.73GW) energy through rooftop solar photovoltaic (RTPV) systems, which can help the city reduce power demand by almost 15%, a study has revealed.

According to the study titled ‘Rooftop Revolution: Unleashing Hyderabad’s solar potential’, jointly conducted by Greenpeace India and the Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI), nearly 70% (1193MW) of the city’s total RTPV potential can come from residential buildings under Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits.

Buildings in the Osmania University (OU) campus, the Begumpet and Shamshabad airports, the city's railway and metro stations as well as RTC bus depots have all been identified as buildings with the potential to generate rooftop solar power by the report.

“Of India’s total ‘40GW rooftop solar by 2022’ goal, Hyderabad has a potential to generate 2.7MW per sq km by installing rooftop solar panels and can contribute nearly 1.73GW. Of the total goal, India has so far reached only 1GW. While switching to solar will help bring down pollution, it is also a solid long-term investment for residents since their electricity bills will come down,” said Akhilesh Magal, head advisor for solar energy and environment and energy efficiency, GERMI, pointing to the lack of awareness, subsidies and financial support as roadblocks to achieving the country’s solar power goals.

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