Design and Installation of 126 kWp Grid-Connected Plant at Aarupadai Veedu Institute of Technology (AVIT), Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract

<jats:p>The government has been initiated JNN solar mission encouraging roof top solar plants, both solar thermal and solar electricity through PV panels especially for educational institutions to reduce demand on the grid. There is a major advantage of Academic Institutions like AVIT, which is having a steady demand in electricity during various time periods. For example working hours will have a constant demand pattern where as low demand during the nights, weekends and holidays. AVIT also encompasses huge terrace space. The advantage of utilizing the terrace space for installation of solar PV panels will not only solve their electricity requirements during the working days but also excess energy produced during non-working days that could be fed in to the grid. By installing solar panels in rooftops of educational institutions seems to be an good choice not only to reduce their electricity bills but also reduce deficits in the electricity board. With these objectives in mind, we in the AVIT decided to install a 126 kWp PV based solar power plant on the terrace of our institute building with a dual objective to generate substantial part of our electricity consumption and save on our electricity bill and also serve as a model for other educational institutes in Chennai.</jats:p>