Sunny side up! Solar lamps to light up KSOU

Varsity begins work on installing solar lamps; sodium lamps replaced by new technology

At a time when power crisis in the state is far from ending, solar energy has emerged as one of the alternate sources of energy with increasing number of takers.

Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), one of the premier institutes, joins the list of alternate energy users deciding to light up its campus with solar lamps. The project is expected to cost Rs 19 lakh.

Vice-chancellor of the varsity K S Rangappa told Deccan Herald the project conceived six months ago was becoming a reality with works on fixing solar lamps underway. With this, the varsity aims at saving electricity both in terms of consumption and also expenditure in the form of bill.

Said assistant executive engineer at the varsity N Anil Kumar: “A total of 58 lamps will be installed in the campus spread over sprawling 15 acres of land. It will cover the area including old building and also some of the new structures. Each lamps of 20 watt can tap 1.2 kv energy, suffice to keep the area in light for 12 hours from dusk to dawn — 6 pm to 6 am (depending on the sunlight). In all, solar lamps will replace 25 sodium lamps installed in the existing set up.

Before going ahead with the project, the authorities had installed two lamps on trial basis two months ago. Earlier the lamps were of 12 watt power. However, the lux (a measure of amount of light produced) wasn’t satisfactory. So, it was decided to go for 20 watt. The works on installing the poles with solar panel and lamps atop have begun.

According to Anil Kumar 50 per cent of the total amount spent on electricity bill could be saved in the new system. Needless to say latest technology is being used to make the facility durable. Another benefit is — as is the rule — the Central government will give subsidy in the range of five to 10 per cent on the total cost. The work is expected to be completed in a day or two.

If that’s the development happening outdoors, various departments and offices in the varsity will also undergo change in the coming days indoors. Tubelights and bulbs will be replaced by CFL.