by Mehtab Shinde
The solar energy system designed, delivered and installed by ONP Solar is based on GridTie technology, which does not require batteries. It consists of 96 high quality Tier-1 international brand photovoltaic panels coupled to a 25 Kilowatt GridTie Solar inverter, which powers fans, air conditioners, lights, water pumps and computers.
Fr Francis Fernandes, the Institute's Bursar, declared: "We have used ONP Solar's best technology. Our goal was to use the best quality products for the simple reason that, in the short term, we needed to secure value for money by reducing our energy bills; in the long term, we want to contribute positively to the environment."
In a city like Pune, where energy tariffs are high, a project of this nature is indeed very convenient and also reduces carbon emissions. "The city's energy situation can be changed if we start using solar power. The most important thing is that here at the Don Bosco Institute we will be saving 40 tons of carbon emissions per year," said Fr Michael Bansode, the Director.
Fr Bosco D'Mello, the Principal, added: "Our students will have the chance to see a solar energy plant functioning every day and learn about the advantages of renewable energy. The decision to install solar panels was, in fact, also motivated by the desire to teach the concept of sustainable development to our students, who in turn can help reduce pollution. Children have a malleable mind; if we teach them good, they will do good to society: everything starts from the place where they receive their education."
The institute has also applied for a net-metering facility, which will allow it to export surplus power generated during the school's downtime, such as weekends and holidays, into the MSEB grid. Through this process, the Institute's generating energy will add value and cut waste.
