Chandigarh: Punjab has taken a significant step towards renewable energy adoption by equipping over 4,000 government school buildings with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.
The initiative aims to reduce electricity costs and promote clean energy in the education sector.
Over 4,000 Schools Powered by Solar Energy
New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Aman Arora informed the Punjab Vidhan Sabha that a total of 4,238 government school buildings now generate solar power, producing 21.19 MW of electricity annually. This translates to approximately 2.89 crore units of clean energy each year, helping schools lower their electricity expenses.
The Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has spearheaded this project to encourage sustainable energy use in educational institutions. The initiative aligns with the state’s broader renewable energy goals, reducing dependence on conventional power sources.
Responding to a query from Sanour MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra regarding the maintenance of solar panels, Arora assured that PEDA has a five-year annual maintenance contract (AMC) with installation vendors. This ensures regular upkeep and efficient functioning of the solar systems.
Future Expansion Plans
The Punjab government continues to explore ways to expand solar energy adoption across more schools. While the current installations mark a major achievement, discussions on adding more schools to the program and extending long-term maintenance support are underway.
By investing in solar energy for schools, Punjab is setting an example for sustainable development while ensuring that students benefit from an uninterrupted power supply and reduced operational costs in educational institutions.
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