One of India’s first solar powered campus transportationprojects
Tata Power Solar, India’s largest integrated solar company, is proud to complete one of India’s first solar vehiclecharging stationsat the Gujarat Sachivalaya (Secretariat). The pilot project consists of a custom-designed 50 kW solar charging station and six electric vehicles with integrated solar panels for charging on-the-go. Formulated by the Government of Gujaratand Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd,as GSEV (Gujarat Solar Electric Vehicle), the project was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Petrochemicals, Government of Gujarat, Shri Saurabhbhai Patel.
Theaesthetically designed charging station is based on a patented suspension system technology that allows panels to be mounted on non-rigid frames using high-tensile wire ropes. This suspension system uses approximately 50% less steel compared to conventional rigid structuresand is therefore more economical and environment friendly. The structure’s aerodynamic design can withstand high winds up to 170 mph. The design allowseasy replacement of any module and access for O&M, with a life spanof more than 25 years.
Commenting on the project, Mr. Ashish Khanna, ED & CEO, Tata Power Solar, said, “We are pleasedto successfully execute this prestigious projectfor the Government of Gujarat. This model should be showcased and given the tremendous potential it hasshouldalsobe replicated across India. It will serve well to corporate and public institutions, who are looking for energy efficient and eco-friendly solutions for their transportation needs. We are appreciative of the Gujarat Government’s initiative and look forward to a more engaged partnership with them on innovative solutions for their energy needs,by harnessing solar power.”
The charging station comes with an energy storage facility, to provide night-time charging. Excess generated electricity will also be fed back to the local grid. The project also includes a comprehensiveSCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system to monitor the solar performance, along with a state-of-the-art control room housing a centralised display system for the electric vehicles and chargingstation.With increasing focus byboth central and state governments in promoting renewable energy usage, this model with its easy installation and low cost is expected to find increasing resonance.
Tata Power Solar, with 25 years of deep domain expertise, is one of the pioneering solar manufacturers in the world and India’s largest specialised EPC player. Founded in 1989, the company was originally formed as a joint venture between Tata Power and British Petroleum Solar (BP Solar). As a pioneer and market leader in the solar space, headquartered in Bangalore, Tata Power Solar now operates independently as a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power.
As one of the largest solar manufacturers in India, Tata Power Solar operates world-class manufacturing unit in Bangalore, with a production capacity of 200 MW of modules and 180 MW of cells. It has completed more than 175 MW of ground-mount utility scale and 43 MW of rooftop and distributed generation projects across the country till date. It also offers a diverse line of solar solutions for both urban and rural markets –these include rooftop solutions, solar pumpsandpower packs among others. Tata Power Solar is committed to enabling solar everywhere and aims to provide energy access to millions of people across the country via its integrated solar solutions. For more information visit: www.tatapowersolar.com
