Dr Surendra Kulkarni believes that it is important to practise before preaching. Having educated many about the need to use renewable energy, he made it a point to incorporate it while constructing his house.
Solar energy generated by the rooftop panel on this retired scientist’s house at Lake Shore Homes off Sarjapur Road meets 80% of his electricity needs. Dr Kulkarni, who used to pay Rs 3,000 as power bills in his previous 2,000 sft house, now pays just Rs 700 for his present house, which is twice as big. “The oven and airconditioner consume more electricity. If we use both these, the bill is anywhere between Rs 1,500 and Rs 1,700,” he added.
He has a 3.5 kVA inverter installed. Throughout day, Dr Kulkarni said the energy generated is sufficient to run three to four lights, three to four fans and a refrigerator. “We have an indicator that beeps when there is a shift from solar to Bescom power. This usually happens around 10 pm or 6 am,” he added.
The solar water heater, with a capacity of 200 litres, provides enough water for the family. Dr Kulkarni said that except for the three weeks during the Chennai rains, when Bengaluru too was overcast, they have been able to get hot water throughout the year.
The installation cost for the solar water heater is Rs 29,000 and the panel cost him about Rs 3.5 lakh. However, he added that the battery may have to be replaced after three years.
Published 19 March 2016, 21:18 IST