Mysuru: The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) is all set to harness solar power with the idea of becoming self-sufficient in its energy needs and frames to install solar panels have been put up on the building rooftop.

The MCC, which served as the nodal agency for implementing the Centre sponsored ‘Solar City’ project could have taken up the project years ago when the city was identified under the ‘Solar City’ project. But the MCC after several years has now taken up a project for rooftop solar power generation.

The MCC under ‘Solar City’ project had in 2013 decided to install solar panels on the roof of its building and also on MUDA office rooftop and a tender was called in 2017. But now, the MCC has taken up the project at a total cost of Rs. 2.30 crore to harness solar power.

With this, the main MCC office, MUDA office and nine MCC Zonal Offices would become self-sufficient in their energy needs from March.

About three years ago, under ‘Solar City’ project, solar power generating units were established in Cheluvamba and Kuppanna Parks in city.

Now solar panels are being installed on MCC building rooftop at a cost of Rs. 70 lakh, on MUDA building rooftop at a cost of Rs. 60 lakh and with the remaining cost, solar panels would be installed on rooftops of all nine MCC Zonal office buildings.

The frames to install solar panels have been set up and by March end; these buildings would be self-sufficient and would generate power for its use.

MCC Commissioner G. Jagadeesha speaking to SOM said that it has been decided to utilise the power generated through harnessing of solar power under ‘Solar City’ project at MCC office, MUDA office and all nine MCC Zonal Offices in city and works pertaining to installation of solar panel is underway.

He said that out of the total cost of Rs. 2.30 crore, the Centre will bear 30% and the State Government will bear 70% and added that as the city is getting hotter, it has become necessary to make use of the solar energy by converting it to solar power.

Jagadeesha said that the MCC while issuing license for construction of buildings is making it mandatory for the installation of solar panels and added that when we are making solar panels mandatory, we too should follow it and hence solar panels are being installed at all MCC offices in city.

He further said that they cannot give the correct information on the number of units generated at present and added that it has been decided to utilise solar power and sell the remaining to CESC at a cost of Rs. 9  per unit.

With this, the MCC aims to spread the message and encourage more people to start harnessing solar power