The case for having more solar rooftop projects in Gurugram has merit, according to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) India.

“Gurugram is a city with numerous residential societies and high-rises that promise 24/7 steady power supply – all with diesel generator (DG) support. Their impact on air quality has been severe – these DG sets are choking the city with their noxious fumes. CSE’s assessment of the situation shows levels of PM2.5 and PM10 increase by two and three times, respectively, immediately after a DG set is operated. These levels are several notches higher than the safe limits for residents,” a CSE statement said.

“In the long run, solar rooftop has clear economic advantages and environmental benefits compared to the polluting, expensive DG sets. Though solar by itself does not offer an alternative for DG sets during power cuts, it does minimise the use of the latter for regular, everyday power supply,” according to Shweta Miriam Koshy, Senior Research Associate-Renewable Energy at CSE.

According to the CSE, Gurugram, till March 2019, had only 40 MW worth of installed capacity, which is a mere 2 per cent of the city’s peak load. This is according to from the Haryana Renewable Development Agency (HAREDA).

One such project is at Wellington Estate RWA in DLF-5 that has installed a 350kWp solar rooftop plant, the largest in India. According to the RWA president Vineet Bagga, the plant has helped the complex reduce its annual power bill by Rs 33 lakh.

“We believe the solar rooftop target for the city can be more aggressive – 15 per cent of total load i.e. 250 MW. But this can be achieved only if the city adopts a dedicated action plan spearheaded by the city government to build awareness, monitor progress and resolve issues,” Mandvi Singh, Deputy Programme Manager, renewable energy, CSE said.

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