The district administration has proposed to install solar electric panels at a cost of Rs 1.7 crore at the civil station. The solar panels would cover an area of 30,000 sq feet and will be installed on the roof of the station.
The project cost would be met from the MLA and MP fund and a government subsidy of 30%. When the project is completed, the Ernakulam civil station will be the first of its kind to have a solar electric system.
“At present, we pay Rs 2.5 lakh as electricity charges a month and with the new installation, it can be brought down to Rs 1 lakh. By saving on electricity, we will be able to gradually cover the initial cost”, said district collector P.I.Sheik Pareeth.
He also said the excess solar power would be given to the KSEB grid without storing it in batteries and this would be done through a non-islanding mechanism.
“Tenders will be invited from those who are interested in undertaking the project. Those who are willing to give a guarantee of 25 years, can quote tenders. A final decision will be taken after consulting energy expert R.V.G.Menon”, said the district collector.
When contacted, Mr Menon said the project would set an example for other district administrations in the state. The district collector has convened a meeting at his chamber on November 14 to discuss the project.