Kandivli building powers EVs with rooftop solar energy

MUMBAI: A housing society in Kandivli has harnessed electricity from rooftop solar panels and charged electric vehicles within the complex. The initiative illustrates the importance of carbon neutrality at a time when most electricity is derived from fossil fuels.

Since 2017, when solar rooftop panels were installed to generate 32 kWp of peak load electricity, the society has been utilizing clean energy to charge electric cars without encountering any issues. Hitesh Vakil, a managing committee member and resident of Vasant Aradhana Tower in Mahavir Nagar, Kandivli, expressed his satisfaction with the society's green initiative.

Vakil, who owns an electric SUV, takes advantage of the EV charging point in the building compound. "There are significant cost savings compared to public charging points found at malls or petrol stations," he said. Charging his vehicle within the society only costs around Rs 600 for a full charge, as opposed to the Rs 1,050 he would have to pay elsewhere. Furthermore, this power is not derived from polluting thermal power plants but instead utilizes a green and renewable energy source.
The 25-year-old, 15-storey building features a solar rooftop on its terrace, which adequately fulfils common requirements such as society compound lighting, water pumps, and lifts. The generated energy yields substantial savings and serves as a testament to the society's commitment to environmental conservation. Each year, the committee's annual report cites significant carbon savings equivalent to planting 120 trees. Moreover, the surplus solar power generated is channeled back into the grid, earning the society carbon credits and financial compensation through net metering. The managing committee opted to utilize the excess energy by establishing an EV charging station with the help of Adani Electricity.
An official from Adani Electricity said," Presently two electric cars are charged during late evening or nights and return for a recharge every four to five days. With this rotation system in place, the EV charging station has potential to accommodate more electric vehicles in future'."
Environmentalist Bhagwan Kesbhat emphasizes the need to move away from relying on energy derived from fossil fuel power plants to charge electric vehicles in India. Instead, he advocates for a cleaner environment and sustainable practices.