Installation and Performance Evaluation of On-grid 640 kWp Capacity Rooftop SolarPower Plant at the University Campus – a case study

Abstract

Dr. Y S Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni is the 1st university in Asia that is growing rapidly. Electricity consumption is around 2.23 million units annually contributing GHGs responsible for climate change. To reduce electricity consumption, a power developer has installed an on-grid 640 kWp capacity rooftop solar power plant at their own cost on RESCO mode at the university campus. The university has provided rooftop space free of cost for 25 years while the university will purchase electricity @ 1.90/unit. The university campus has 280-290 sunny days annually with solar radiation ranging from 3.56 to 7.53 kWh/m2 /d. Solar modules of 20 kW to 80 kW capacities were installed at 13 selected buildings. The university buildings have inclined rooftops which reduces the structural cost. About 823,340 units of solar electricity have been generated until May 2023, thereby saving Rs. 4 million annually and a reduction in CO2 of 658,672 kg. The overall performance ratio of rooftop solar power plants comes out to be 77.95% capacity utilization factor of 20.98% and a specific yield of 5.03 kWh/kWp. The RTSVP meets the UN sustainable goals 7 and 13. The system will generate solar power on a sustainable basis for 25 years.