Increasing use of solar power at educational institutions

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Due to change in environment and to cater to these changes, many private educational institutions in Gurgaon are installing solar generation plants. This will tackle the rising charges in Haryana. Some of these institutes are- Scottish High International School, NorthCap University, Suncity World School, Pathways World School and Open Sky School.

This move would ensure a greener energy source with reduction in Gurgaon's air pollution which had seen a steep rise in November- December (PM 2.5 levels). A pollution level of 83.65 micrograms per cubic meter (mgpcm) was recorded in November, while the level shot up to 106.75 mgpcm by December first-half as per Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB).

In Gurgaon the struggle for power is worse as to maintain demand and supply, there are long and frequent power cuts. In summers, the situation is worsened when residents use diesel generators.

To mitigate this situation, a 77kw solar plant, producing 8,500 units of electricity per month, has been installed at the Suncity World School in Sector 54. Rupa Chakravarty, a school principal stated that educational institutions do not demand much power but use of computers, laboratories and public address systems used by them are demanding more power.

Scottish High International School in Sector 57 is planning to completely shift to solar energy. Currently, its outdoor lights are powered with solar energy.

Not only private schools but government ones are also following the same path as two government schools in Gurgaon's Aklimpur and Bass villages have also got two 5kw solar generation units installed.

The NorthCap University in Sector 23A stands out due to its 150 kw solar power system. Col Bikram Mohanty (registrar of the university) said that university has taken steps towards water harvesting along with the installation of latest energy conversation equipments. Not only this, they are educating students to use renewable sources of energy.