MICL's Chembur project goes solar to save

In a breakthrough step for rooftop solar installations on under construction building projects, Avishakti Rooftop Solar Pvt. Ltd has installed a rooftop PV plant for the recently completed project by Man Infraconstruction Limited (MICL Group) in Chembur, Mumbai. The rooftop solar plant has been installed at Aaradhya One, a residential tower consisting of 12 floors and housing 68 apartments. The 23.4 kWp rooftop solar plant is designed to generate approximately 36,000 units annually. This power will be utilized to light up the commonly utilized appliances of the building like lights in the common areas, lift, water pump etc. The rooftop solar system was installed during the construction phase will be on grid and will run on Net Metering. AnimeshManek, Managing Director, Avishakti Rooftop Solar Pvt. Ltd explains the technology, “The Net Metering technology enables the system to transfer any extra electricity generated by the system back to the grid. On the days the PV system generates less, the required electricity is consumed from the grid. At the end of the year, you pay only for the net usage. i.e. electricity generated minus electricity used.” The project will result in an estimated saving of approximately 4,35,000 INR annually by reducing their electricity bills. This can prove to be a major financial advantage for those residing in the building. “It’s all about giving a better quality of services to our customers. Opting for rooftop solar means reducing the maintenance bills of the project’s residents.” said Ravindra K. Yevale, Senior General Manager, MICL Group. The numbers don’t indicate a major trend among real estate developers for choosing solar. With not enough knowledge about fluctuating prices, maintenance, and policy regulations for the technology, builders often skip it. However, going solar at this stage has its perks. AnimeshManek, Founder & Director, Avishakti Rooftop Solar Pvt. Ltd, the company that installed the rooftop solar system explains, “If real estate developers plan rooftop solar plants for their projects right at the construction stage, it can have its benefits. For instance, sufficient space can be planned to accommodate the solar panels as per the requirement. It also works in making the rooftop PV plant aesthetically appealing.” The benefits of rooftop solar adoption don’t end at just the financial advantages. Solar energy is a clean form of energy, which means by choosing is a step towards a greener future. The rooftop solar plant installed at Aaradhya One will prevent 64.44 tons of CO2 from being released into the air annually. “Opting for solar energy isn’t just about reducing your electricity bills. Looking at the big picture, it is a noble step toward a better environment. With a step like this, we are improving the quality of life for our customers as well as for those around us”, Parag Shah, Managing Director, MICL Group. “Sustainable living is the need of the hour. Having a green initiative like rooftop solar speaks volumes of the progressive mindsets of the construction companies and translates into a positive impact on their image” Animesh concludes.