Since the beginning of this year solar energy has been powering the classrooms, dormitories and canteens of the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education in Gwalior.

The solar panels were installed under the ages of the Swatcha Bharat Mission with a view to protect the environment and keep the premises clean. 

The panels were mounted at various points in the Institute in 2019 at a total cost of Rs 4 crores.

According to sources in the LNIPE the solar panels are currently producing 650 kilowatts of electricity every day. They said that after going solar this year, most of the energy needs of the institute are fulfilled by the panels.

The sources also said that apart from lighting the classrooms and premises, the panels also help in running the laboratories, heating water and assisting in almost all administrative works.

As per their calculations solar energy is meeting more than 50% of the Institute’s total energy demand.

On the economic front the panels have saved the institute over Rs 27 lakhs in electricity bills during the past six months. In a five months period in 2018 the institute had to shell out Rs 94 lakhs by way of power tariff and the surging power bills were another reason for the decision to go solar.

It has been learnt from reliable sources that, taking a cue from the LNIPE experiment, many educational institutes, including prestigious schools in the city have decided to go solar. However it is also a fact that only a very few institutions have the ability to purchase solar panels and produce energy. The cost of setting up the panels will be too high for most of the educational institutions.

According to experts, two of the main stumbling blocks in this project are the high up-front costs and a lack of viable financing options.