HYDERABAD: Solar power systems are now a go-to method for an increasing number of residential welfare associations (RWAs) in Hyderabad to reduce their monthly electricity bill.
Case in point: Six RWAs in Dayanand Nagar Colony near Safilguda have installed solar power panels in recent times, with a few more gated communities and stand-alone apartments here showing keen interest in the systems.
“RWAs are struggling to keep a tab on rising electricity bills owing to increased power consumption and the latest tariff revision,” BT Srinivasan, secretary of the United Federation of RWAs (UFERWAS), told TOI.
RWAs are now going for solar power systems with a capacity of 1kW to 3 kW encouraged by central government’s subsidy.
Until recently, flat owners of an apartment at Devi Nagar Colony in Neredmet had been paying upwards of 3,000 a month as their individual electricity charges. The bill also included charges for shared electrical utilities such as water pumps, lift and common area lighting. The apartment has now installed rooftop solar power panels with 3kW capacity and residents are expecting a significant reduction in electricity charges.
Solar panels are a one-time investment and the system can last as much as two decades with proper maintenance, said Srinivasan.
More than 160 residential colonies across the city have installed small-capacity rooftop solar power systems in recent years, said SK Raju, secretary All-India Renewable Energy Association for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and UFERWAS advisor.
The cost of installing a solar power system of 2kW to 3 kW is between 1.7 lakh and lakh, said Raju, who also supplies the systems. He said there has been a surge in demand for solar power in Madhapur and surrounding areas and he has been receiving enquiries on a daily basis.
Source: PTI
