The Andhra Pradesh Government has decided to set up solar photo voltaic panels in the State Secretariat buildings to start with and later cover other Government buildings in a phased manner.
A committee comprising officials from General Administrative Department, Roads and Buildings, AP Transco and New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh have been asked to submit proposals.
As part of the policy of the State Government’s initiative to tap the solar power, the State Energy Conservation Mission has decided to erect solar panels on the rooftops and parking lots in D and H Blocks of AP Secretariat on pilot basis.
About 270 KW of solar power can be tapped from 4,000 square meters space available in D Block and about 90 KW power from 1300 square meters space available in H Block.
During working hours, the solar power can be utilised directly and beyond office hours, the solar power generated will be sent to the grid through the net metering arrangement.
Minnie Mathew, State Chief Secretary, who chaired the mission, said that a detailed proposal will be ready within three days.
The Chief Secretary said Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy was keen to promote solar roof top panels as it is maintenance-free and the payback period for the investment on solar panels is less than five years.
AP Transco officials explained how the solar unit set up on Vidyut Soudha was doing well.
The unit installed there is generating about 90,000 units of energy a year with a saving of about Rs 5.4 lakh a year.
She said tapping renewable energy sources was amongst the best options to counter the fuel crisis.