The Grid Connected Roof Top Solar Project in Army Institute of Technology; a Case Study

Abstract: Educational Institutions are often under pressure for cost cutting. Electricity charges, especially in a residential institution, is one of the biggest drain on finances. In this case study, we would like to discuss the grid connected roof top solar project in Army Institute of Technology (AIT), Dighi, Pune. This 350 kW system has been installed without any cost to AIT, on Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, for 25 years at the rate of Rs 6/- per electricity unit. The power generated by the system is approximately 1000 to 1200 electricity units per day as against a requirement of about 1800 to 2000 electricity units per day. Net Metering Policy implemented by Maharashtra Government enables AIT to send excess electricity generated during day time back to the grid. This excess power given to the grid is credited back during night time. A new Net Meter has been installed in AIT that provides daily status of the power import/export. This has resulted in Cost Savings of nearly Rs 1,50,000/- per month which comes close to Rs 18,00,000/- per annum. Keywords: AIT, Build-Operate-Transfer, cost cutting, grid, roof top, solar