Case Study

17 kW Solar Rooftop Panel Installation at a School in Alibag Village

Client

A well-established school in Alibag village, serving over 500 students and staff members, was struggling with escalating electricity costs. The school needed an energy solution that would reduce its dependence on the local grid, lower its energy bills, and support its commitment to sustainability.

Problem Statement

Net meter placed next to a mobile phone, displaying a graphic of a bill, illustrating energy usage and savings

The school faced a high monthly electricity expenditure, consuming around 3,500 kWh of electricity per month. The rising costs were affecting the school's operating budget, and frequent power outages caused disruptions to daily activities. The school needed a reliable and cost-effective energy solution that would help reduce electricity bills while ensuring minimal operational impact.

Challenges Identified:

High Energy Consumption: With large classrooms, administrative areas, and sports facilities, the school had high energy demands, resulting in expensive electricity bills.
Unstable Grid Power: Frequent power outages affected operations, including classrooms, computer labs, and administrative work.
Limited Budget for Energy Solutions: The school needed a solution that would provide long-term benefits without causing a significant financial burden upfront.

Our Solution – ReNova Pulse Energy's Approach:

Initial Consultation & Site Survey: Our team conducted a thorough site survey to assess the available rooftop area, roof condition, and sunlight exposure. We determined that the school could comfortably accommodate a 17 kW solar system. Based on the school's energy consumption data, we designed the system to meet 80% of its electricity needs.
Customized Solar System Design: We designed a high-efficiency solar system using Tier-1 solar panels and high-performance inverters, optimized for the school’s roof space. The system was designed to generate approximately 2,400-2,500 kWh per month.
End-to-End Installation: Our team managed the entire installation process, from procuring the equipment to final commissioning. We completed the installation within 3 weeks with minimal disruption to the school’s operations, scheduling most of the work outside of school hours.
Integration & Monitoring: The solar system was integrated with an advanced monitoring system, allowing the school to track energy generation, consumption, and savings in real-time.
Training & Handover: After installation, we provided detailed training to the school's staff on the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of the solar system.
Annual Maintenance: We offered a comprehensive package that includes 3 years of free annual maintenance for our client, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of their solar panels.

Outcome – Benefits to the School:

Cost Perspective:

Monthly Electricity Savings: The school previously paid an average monthly electricity bill of approximately ₹40,000 for 3,500 kWh of energy consumption. With the new solar system in place, the school now generates 80% of its energy needs, which translates to around 2,400 kWh per month. The remaining 20% (around 700 kWh) is sourced from the grid.

After implementation, the new monthly electricity bill dropped to approximately

₹10,000, a 75% reduction in energy costs.

Annual Savings
Pre-Solar Annual Electricity Bill: ₹40,000 x 12 = ₹4,80,000
Post-Solar Annual Electricity Bill: ₹10,000 x 12 = ₹1,20,000
Annual Savings: ₹4,80,000 - ₹1,20,000 = ₹3,60,000
Return on Investment (ROI)
With annual savings of ₹3,60,000, the school is expected to recover its investment in approximately 3.5 years. After this period, the system will continue to provide free electricity for the next 20+ years, with a lifespan of over 25 years.
Net Metering
Along with the solar rooftop system, the school also benefited from Net Metering, a system that allows users to feed surplus solar energy back into the grid and receive credits for the excess power generated. The credits received from exporting excess solar energy reduce the school’s grid energy consumption, further lowering the overall electricity costs. On average, the school now generates a surplus of approximately 400-500 kWh per month, which results in additional savings of around ₹2,000-2,500 per month.

Investment Perspective:

Government Subsidies: The school took advantage of the government’s solar subsidy program, reducing the upfront investment by ₹1,50,000. ReNova Pulse Energy assisted the school and made sure that they received the subsidy from the government.
Sustainability & Brand Value: The school enhanced its image as a forward-thinking institution committed to sustainability. This move not only reduced energy costs but also aligned the school with the growing trend of environmental responsibility.
Long-Term Cost Stability: The school is now protected from future electricity price hikes, ensuring long-term financial stability. The solar plant will continue to provide electricity for over 25 years, with minimal maintenance costs.

Conclusion

By installing a 17 kW rooftop solar system, the school in Alibag village achieved a 75% reduction in electricity costs and improved its environmental footprint. With the added benefits of Net Metering, the school now generates income through the excess energy exported to the grid, enhancing overall savings. The system’s ROI period of just 3.5 years and long-term savings demonstrate the financial viability of solar energy solutions for educational institutions. With ReNova Pulse Energy providing end-to-end services, from design and installation to monitoring and maintenance, the school now enjoys stable, cost-effective, and sustainable power for years to come.

Client Feedback

"The solar installation has been a game-changer for our school. Not only have we seen a significant reduction in electricity bills, but we are also proud to contribute to a cleaner environment. The addition of Net Metering has allowed us to further reduce our energy costs. ReNova Pulse Energy made the entire process seamless, and we couldn't be happier with the results."
– School Administration, Alibag Village

This case study demonstrates how ReNova Pulse Energy delivers value to educational institutions through solar rooftop solutions, offering financial benefits, including savings from Net Metering, and contributing to sustainability.

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