Solar panels to cost Metro 1.5 cr less

After completing the installation of solar panels on all 12 Metro stations along the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro-1 corridor, the Reliance Infrastructure-led Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL), operator of Metro has said that this initiative will save them Rs 1.5 crore every year. 

The Metro-1 corridor is already running in huge losses, and installation of solar panels will save carbon emissions of approximately 2,700 tonnes every year.

The total quantity of solar panels installed along with the supporting and cable work is 6,987. 

The electricity generated from the solar panels will be utilised for operations of various Metro station equipment like lighting, lifts, escalators, pumps etc. 

The solar plants were set up on the renewable energy service company model wherein power purchase agreement has been signed.

According to the MMOPL, currently, the Metro’s auxiliary power requirement for non-traction use is 6.9 megawatts, 30 per cent or 2.30 megawatts of which will be met with the installations of these solar panels.

“The team made sure that in spite of hindrances like sloppy roofs, and the exceptional height of stations,” an MMOPL spokesperson said.