The Delhi Police has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to install rooftop solar energy systems on its establishments.

Through this MoU, it is estimated that rooftop solar systems of 3-4 MW capacity will be installed across various Delhi Police buildings in the national capital.

The MoU states that SECI has agreed to implement grid-connected rooftop solar PV systems on the buildings of Delhi Police. There are over 200 establishments owned by Delhi Police across the capital.

According to the press statement, “Delhi Police intends to utilize vacant roofs of their buildings to harness solar energy and to cater to a part of their electricity demand through the generated green energy. In addition to this, it would result in a significant reduction of electricity bill payments for Delhi Police.”

Amulya Patnaik, the commissioner of Police, Delhi commented on the development saying that Delhi Police has always been in the forefront in adopting new technology and innovative practices in all spheres of its operations. He also pointed out that the MoU will go a long way in making Delhi green. He hoped that the project would be completed in phases.

Meanwhile, Anand Kumar, the secretary of the MNRE, said that solar energy is economical as well as environmentally friendly. He emphasized that this is a landmark beginning in the capital city of the country where the nation’s premier police force of the country has come forward to adopt this solar power technology at all of its establishments in Delhi. It will not only reduce their electricity bills but also enhance the pace of clean energy adoption in the city, which is already infamous for its deteriorating air quality.

According to the Mercom India’s Q1 2019 Solar Market Update, cumulative rooftop solar installations reached 3,527 MW by the end of Q1 2019. Rooftop installations still only make up 12% of total solar installations and the country has achieved only 9% of its target capacity addition (40 GW by 2022).

Last month, the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) finalized the group and virtual net metering guidelines. The commission has set the minimum project capacity at 5 kW while the maximum will be 5 MW at a single location. The virtual net metering framework will be applicable for residential consumers, group housing societies, offices of government and local authorities, and renewable energy generators registered under Mukhya Mantri Kisaan Aay Badhotari Yojna.