NAGAPATTINAM: At a time when conventional energy is becoming costlier and raising serious doubts about sustainability, a police station in Nagapattinam has set an example by producing 6,000 KW of green power using solar panels in the two years since its inception.
The 2 KW solar panels established at an estimated cost of Rs 4.50 lakh have met 77 per cent of the total power requirements of the Nagapattinam town police station since January 2014.
The first green police station in the State has generated energy of 6,000 KW through mono-crystalline solar panels. The plant, funded by the Nagapattinam unit of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, has cut down the monthly electricity expenditure of the police station by 77 per cent.
The solar panels start their energy conversion process by 7 am and continue generation until about 6 pm. After sunset, the energy generated and stored in the battery continues to power about 15 tube lights, 15 ceiling fans, and half-a-dozen plug points in the police station inclusive of lock-ups.
Now, the station depends on power from TNEB only for 10 hours or so during non-peak timings.
Based on the geographical and weather conditions of the district, the project is said to have a potential to generate solar power for 330 days in a year.
“In the past two years, we have not encountered a single snag or disruption in power generation. During late evenings, only if the battery backup goes low, we switch to conventional power,” said a personnel at the town police station.
“The police station has been using conventional power only to operate water pumps. The station, which used to pay Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 per month as power bill, pays only Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per month, since the commissioning of the solar power plant,” said Arun Rebero, director of Contura Solar Power, that implemented the project in the station.
Police sources said round-the-clock power supply is needed for the force to handle Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), an online database to track criminal records across police stations in the State.
Apart from being self-sufficient, the green power generation at the police station has also proved to be an inspiration for locals to install solar panels in their homes and establishments.
Speaking to Express, P N Panneerselvam, solar energy consultant here, said, “The solar power project at the police station has sensitised the locals. During the past one year, solar projects of at least 10 KW have been installed in the town in buildings, including temples and restaurants.”
The Central government, through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has been providing 30 per cent subsidy to solar projects above 1 KW capacity. This has helped people turn to solar power in their homes and offices, said solar panel traders.