AMALAPURAM: Every government school can achieve sustainability by generating its own solar power, as demonstrated by the science project of Ubalanka Zilla Parishad High School (ZPHS) students in Konaseema District. Moreover, students from high school level can gain extensive knowledge on how solar power plants work.
Titled ‘Solar Based Power Generation - Save Schools,’ this physical model was adjudged the best at the State-level science fair and has been selected for the National Level Science Fair in Hyderabad, starting January 19. The experiment provides a practical solution to overcome impediments in implementing the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Ninth-class student Ch Pavan Sai and seventh-class student K Eswar Sanjeev presented the project under the guidance of their science teacher, Chitturi Vijaya Lakshmi. They installed solar panels at school and demonstrated energy supply to fans, lights and others.
Students explained that the solar system converts DC to AC using an inverter and controls lights and fans through Arduino-based LDRs and flame sensors. They said installing solar panels in schools reduces power bills and promotes sustainable energy, with headmaster CNS Srinivas supporting the project. Government schools receive power from APEPDCL, with bills ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000. A 3 kV solar system generates 10–15 units daily, meeting school needs and selling surplus power to the grid.
A 3 kV solar plant costs up to Rs 2 lakh to install on the rooftop of the school building. The PM Surya Ghar scheme provides a Rs 70,000 subsidy, with the State government will have to cover the rest to complete installation and provide protection from external factors, if taken initiative.
Science teacher Vijaya Lakshmi urged the government to install such plants with sponsor support. This approach meets power needs locally without relying on government funds, she said. Many sponsors could step forward to fund the PM Surya Ghar scheme in their own names or those of family members, she added.
The students explained the project through a practical demonstration, highlighting how it generates income via an eco-friendly system. They stated the importance of solar power generation in protecting the environment. Konaseema DEO P Nageswara Rao told TNIE, ‘Solar Based Power Generation - Save Schools’ was one of them, he said. With the support of District Science Officer GVS Subrahmanyam, the district achieved success at the state level and earned selection for the national level, he added.