Tamil Nadu: TEDA To Make Government Buildings Solar-Powered As Part Of Zero Carbon Initiative

The Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) plans to install grid-connected rooftop solar panels with a total capacity of 20 MW on governmental structures, educational institutions, and state-run industrial sites as part of the 'Zero Carbon Initiative'.

A tender has already been floated for the project. The selected bidder would be required to run and maintain the project for five years. 

The project will cost Rs 120 crore and be created on a capital expenditure (CAPEX) approach.

TEDA is an independent agency set up by the government of Tamil Nadu to create awareness and migrate the state from using fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Rooftop solar systems will be connected to the grid following installation under a net-metering agreement. The excess energy produced by the consumer will be credited to the consumer's bill by the power utility.

Solar panels for one kilowatt cost approximately Rs 45,000 and generate 5 units of electricity, according to TEDA officials.

Under the CAPEX model, TEDA has already supported the installation of solar power plants with a combined capacity of 1,916 KW in government facilities such as universities, zonal transport buildings, the Tamil Nadu Warehouse Corporation, and government schools around the state.

“Making government buildings solar-powered is the priority, and the goal is installing 9,000 MW — utility category of 5,400 MW and consumer category of 3,600 MW — solar panels across Tamil Nadu,” said a TEDA official, reports The New Indian Express.

Tamil Nadu: A Leader In Renewable Energy

Tamil Nadu alone has about 8,326.86MW of the total renewable energy capacity installed in India, accounting for about 25.44 per cent of the total installed capacity.

This figure is even more prominent in the wind energy sector, with Tamil Nadu accounting for approximately 34.31 per cent of total wind energy installed capacity in India.

The Tamil Nadu Solar Policy, the Chief Minister's Solar Powered Greenhouse Programme, and most recently the Chief Minister's Solar Rooftop Capital Incentive Programme are all in place in the state.

The state is advancing solar energy quickly thanks to these programmes.