North Delhi Power Co, Tata BP Solar in green Delhi initiative

North Delhi Power Ltd (NDPL), a Tata Group power distribution venture with the Delhi government, has roped in Tata BP Solar for setting up solar power plants in Delhi, including rooftop solar plants, which will be connected to the local electricity grid.

Under the plan, Tata BP Solar will install solar plants of up to one mega Watt capacity, on rooftops. These will consist of photovoltaic modules, which will absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. The electricity, generated on rooftops, can either be consumed directly by the owner of the rooftop or distributed through the grid and sold to NDPL.

Once operational, these plants will not only augment power supply for NDPL consumers but will also be a source of income for them, a joint press release said.

NDPL has already set up two such solar plants of 4 KW and 15 KW at its corporate office in Hudson Lines and at its training centre in Rohini. Now, NDPL proposes to set up a 25KW solar plant at the premises of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC). This will in turn make these roof top installations, turning electricity consumers producers of electricity.

"In NDPL's climate change and sustainability strategy, Sun occupies centre stage being the original source of all energy. Solar power is one of the most suitable and feasible source of power from the perspective of cost, scalability, environment and security of source," said Sunil Wadhwa, CEO and executive director of NDPL.

Wadhwa said the success of the initiative would, however, depend on some initial capital support from the government to make solar power generation affordable for the consumers.