Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) is also set to join the rooftop solar energy generation bandwagon to cut down its administrative costs. The start is being made from Nagpur Circle and particularly, in Nagpur District, where 11 division and sub-division offices have been selected for installation of varying capacity of roof-top solar photovoltaic equipment, ranging from 5 to 23 KW capacity respectively, targeting generation of 138 KW cumulative power. While one can understand that other Government and private organisations opting for the rooftop solar energy project, MSEDCL’s initiative is a surprise for the layman, since it is the one which supplies power to entire State.

 

Explaining the rationale, Yogesh Vitankar, Dy Chief Public Relations Officer, Nagpur Circle, MSEDCL, said that though they might not be paying their power bills in cash, the book adjustment does entail adjustment of power expenses. As MSEDCL purchases power from Generation companies, it has to bill for every unit supplied and the distribution company marks the power expenses in its overhead or under the head of administrative expenses. “With the elimination of power bill component from monthly expenses, the ultimate cost of running the organisation is also going to come down over time. In the long run, after all the offices of MSEDCL start using solar energy to meet their daily power requirements, the overall figure becomes quite substantial. Meaning, lesser the expenses of distribution company, the power tariff ultimately can be reduced and same would benefit the consumers,” added Vitankar. Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA), Nagpur Division, has been entrusted with the project of setting up rooftop solar units at 11 sub-division offices of MSEDCL in Nagpur district to begin with.

 

The total generation being planned is about 138 KW and same will be grid connected with roof-top net metering. The winning bidder will have to provide 5-year maintenance and they will be awarded the contract on a turnkey basis, wherein they have to design, erect and commission the solar units within a period of 3-months post finalisation of agreement. As of now, MEDA has estimated total cost of project at Rs 74,49,681 and post negotiation, the figure can increase or decrease depending upon the bidders.

 

The contract involves 5 years comprehensive maintenance with net metering of the roof-top solar assets with allied instruments. MEDA also has stipulated that there should be minimum assured generation of 4 units per day or otherwise penalty clause will be invoked. Among the 11 offices, the minimum 5 KW solar unit is mentioned for Mohpa sub-division, while maximum 23 KW for MSEDCL’s Kamptee sub-division. Maximum offices would have 10 KW units including Saoner, Khapa, Kalmeshwar, Parsheoni, Kondhali, Katol and Narkhed, while Mouda will have 15 KW. To ensure that the solar units perform as per the stipulated norms, MEDA has also called for affixing of Remote Monitoring System with Wi-Fi at the 11 locations so that reports of generation can be assessed anytime. The generation of solar power will be assessed for first three months that is set at 320 unit from net metering from the date of commissioning.