TNSTC’s solar energy drive reaping rich dividends

Salem: The Tamil Nadu state transport corporation’s (TNSTC) Salem division, which commissioned solar power plants at Salem, Edappadi, Namakkal and Krishnagiri depots in March, has started selling the surplus power to the Tamil Nadu electricity board.
The Tamil Nadu energy development agency (TNEDA) had set up the plants at the depots after TNSTC officials decided to make use of the surplus space at the facilities. TNEDA installed the plants in February. “The agency will maintain them for 25 years,” a TNSTC official said. The four depots produce 320 units of electricity per day.
“The Salem plant produces 20kW, while Namakkal and Krishnagiri depots produce 15kW each, and the Edappadi depot 10kW,” the official told TOI. “The Salem division is paying 4.65 per unit as production cost to TNEDA. We are selling electricity to TNEB for 2.10 per unit. We hope to earn profit soon.”