Solar power at Vidhana & Vikas Soudha: Karnataka govt expects Rs 20 lakh annual power bill savings

Solar panels installed in parking and open areas under PPP model with SELCO Foundation; project to meet 12% power needs and recover costs within two years.

In a major step towards promoting renewable energy and reducing power costs, the Karnataka government has begun installing solar panels within the premises of Vidhana Soudha and Vikas Soudha, two of the most prominent government buildings in Bengaluru.

The project is being implemented in partnership with the SELCO Foundation under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Once fully operational, the solar installations are expected to generate around 300 kilowatts of power, helping the government save nearly Rs 20 lakh every year on electricity bills.

Due to heritage restrictions and limited rooftop space at Vidhana Soudha, solar panels are not being placed on the main building. Instead, they are being installed across parking areas and other open spaces within the complex, ensuring that the historic structure remains untouched.

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Officials said that power generated through solar energy will meet about 12% of the total electricity requirement of the two buildings. Vidhana Soudha and Vikas Soudha together house more than 1,000 rooms, with monthly electricity bills ranging between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 15 lakh. The new solar system is expected to significantly reduce this recurring expense.

As part of the project, GPS-based site assessment and modern solar panel technology are being used to maximise output. Authorities stated that the entire investment is likely to be recovered within two years, after which the savings will directly benefit the state exchequer.