Delhi Assembly Set to Run Entirely on Solar

Why in the News ?

The Delhi Assembly will become India’s first legislative building to operate fully on solar energy. A rooftop solar project aims to eliminate its ₹2 crore annual power bill, generate surplus energy, and promote clean energy use in governance.

Highlights about the Delhi Assembly to Go Fully Solar:

  • Delhi Assembly is set to become India’s first legislative building to run completely on solar energy.
  • The project aims to eliminate the assembly’s annual ₹2 crore electricity bill through renewable energy.
  • Rooftop solar panels covering 3,250 square metres will be installed to power the entire assembly.

Project Details and Execution

  • The solar project, with a capacity of 500kV, comes with a 30-year warranty and will replace older panels of lower capacity.
  • Tenders for the project are expected to be floated next week, with completion targeted within 60 days of awarding the contract.
  • The system will generate an estimated 2 lakh units annually, exceeding the current consumption of 7 lakh units.
  • Surplus energy will be fed into the state power grid, creating potential revenue for the assembly.

Environmental and Financial Impact

  • Speaker Vijender Gupta stated the initiative will cut costs to zero while promoting green energy and sustainability.
  • Panels of different technologies will be used depending on shadow exposure on the roof for maximum efficiency.
  • The structure will feature wind and corrosion-resistant mounts, tested via simulation for safety.

The project is expected to be operational before the monsoon session, setting an example for other legislative buildings across India.