Date:21/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/21/stories/2008112150700200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Solar roof at Goethe-Institut

Staff Reporter

It is expected to meet part of its power needs

Energy saver: The solar panel that is placed on the roof of the institute in Bangalore

Bangalore: At a time when the State is reeling under a power crisis, the Goethe-Institut here has adopted green technology by harnessing solar energy to meet its power needs. The photo-voltaic installation that will help the Institut reduce its dependency on electricity and diesel generators was inaugurated on Thursday.

IBC SOLAR, the photovoltaic system integrator, together with the German Energy Agency (Deutsche Energie-Agentur GmbH, dena), are responsible for the installation.

The project is funded partially by the dena Solar Roof Programme, installed by IBC SOLAR, while the maintenance support was provided by Selco India.

Udo Möhrstedt, founder and Chief Executive Officer of IBC SOLAR, said that 35 solar modules, with a total capacity of 7.8 kilo watt peak at the institute, will enable it to cover a notable part of its energy consumption.

The system prevents more than 110 kg of carbon-dioxide a year from being emitted into the atmosphere, he said.

The demand for reliable energy is particularly high in India.

Electricity cuts can be a regular occurrence and pose a great challenge for firms. Solar energy is one solution to this problem. “India’s energy sector is mostly dependent on fossil fuels. Given the country’s rapidly growing economy, the demand for reliable electricity supply is increasing. Solar energy provides an environment-friendly alternative for generating electricity,” he said.

Target

The European Union has set a target of generating at least 20 per cent of energy required through renewable sources by 2020. Germany has a Renewable Energy Law, the objective of which is to increase the share of renewable energy in the electricity market. “With climate change becoming a major concern, the Indian Government should also stress on renewable sources of energy and put in place a framework,” he said.

Best choice

Through its solar roof programme, dena supports German PV companies in installing their technology abroad on German schools or institutions. Christine Wörlen, Head of the Renewable Energy Division at dena, said: “Solar systems are preferred because they are noiseless, last long, require no maintenance and do not pollute.