The National Institute of Technology, Surathkal, Karnataka is all set to inaugrate it´s 1 MW rooftop solar plant - the largest yet for a government academic institution - during the annual convocation ceremony on November 12. The power grid is being installed across 11 academic buildings of the institution as per NSM norms. Commenting on the same, DN Gaonkar, assistant professor and nodal officer for solar plant project said, ´As of now, connection to only four buildings are done.´ CleanMax Solar, a rooftop solar developer, is developing the plant in association with the institute. They have signed an agreement with NIT-K for 25 years. According to the agreement, the developer will bear the cost of setting up the entire solar rooftop, and will sell power to NIT-K. Gaonkar added that power expense will be lower than KPTCL power grid charges. With the focus on maximizing power generation, the project has been designed, keeping in mind the high wind load due to the institute´s proximity to the Arabian Sea, he said.

Contact: NIT-Karnataka

Website: www.nitk.ac.in/