Mangaluru: While the state continues to grapple with shortage of power, 50 schools in Dakshina Kannada could show the way soon by opting for solar energy. Not only will they save on electricity but also earn some revenue in the process.
MLC Ivan D’Souza, who is keen on encouraging use of solar energy in the district, is helping install roof top solar panels in these schools, which include both aided and government. He aims to complete the task in a year and has decided to ask all eight MLAs of Dakshina Kannada district to recommend five schools each in their constituencies for the project.
“The schools identified will get a 3 kilowatt solar rooftop unit costing '2.5 lakh each,” Mr D’Souza told reporters on Thursday. “A unit produces 12 units of power in a day and with MESCOM offering Rs 9.56 per unit of solar power supplied to the grid, a school will be able to earn Rs 3,441 per month , which will be useful for its various projects,” he said.
As there was unlikely to be any power consumption for about four months in a year, when the schools were on holiday, the power supply to the grid from these units would be more and so would their income, the the MLC said. The project cost of Rs 1.25 crore will be met from the Local Area Development Fund and donors and corporates.
