Govt depts ignore solar rooftop panels despite it being mandatory

Though the installation of solar rooftop panels is mandatory at all government institutions and private commercial establishments, there have not been many takers.

- BOSKY KHANNA @Bengaluru

According to data available with the energy department, within the limits of Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd (Bescom), 14,944 buildings have installed solar rooftop panels, of which 215 are government structures. The total power generated from all the panels is 352.35 MW, of which only 15 MW is being generated from government buildings.

Gaurav Gupta, additional chief secretary, Energy Department, told The New Indian Express that the number of installations are less despite it being mandatory. "We are conducting a survey to find out how many government and private units have solar panels," he added.