India’s First Portable Rooftop Solar Systems Installed at Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

The portable solar rooftop systems have an output of 2.4 kW each

April 21, 2022

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Servotech Power Systems, a solar and energy-efficient products manufacturer, has installed India’s first portable solar rooftop systems at the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple complex in Gandhinagar. The installation of the ten portable rooftop solar systems has been supported by the German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

Dubbed Servport, the plug-and-play photovoltaic system has six modules of 400W for a total output of 2.4 kW. The portable rooftop solar system will complement the existing solar system of 400 kW installed at the Akshardham Temple. The system has been installed under the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) initiative to develop renewable energy cities across India.

“Solar energy must play an important role in reducing the country’s dependence on conventional sources of electricity. The unique PV Port system is the way ahead for greater adoption of solar power in the country. We are thankful to GIZ and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for this opportunity to contribute to ushering in a renewable transformation,” said Raman Bhatia, Founder & Managing Director of Servotech Power Systems.

The system, which GIZ designed, has been modified by Servotech Power Systems to meet local conditions and optimal performance. Servotech Power Systems manufactures solar products, LEDs, oxygen concentrators, and EV charging equipment.

Servports have been designed so that the space under the panels can be used as seating, and the seats act as storage units for the battery pack. Customers can choose either lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries. The batteries are offered in two sizes, 2.4 kW, which will offer 90 minutes of backup, and 4.8 kW, which will offer 3 to 4 hours of backup. At present, the cost of Servport starts from ~₹289,000 (~$3,777) for the base model up to ~₹439,000 (~$5,738). Currently, there are five models available. Unlike other conventional solar PV systems, the design of the PV Port system allows the space below the panels to be utilized.

Servotech Power Systems claim each system can lead to an average annual savings of around ₹24,000 (~$313) on electricity bills. The PV Port system is said to have a shelf life of 25-30 years, can be easily installed by a single person, and is ideal for the Indian climate. It is designed for 100% self-consumption, and no power is fed into the grid.

Of the 40 Servports to be installed in Gandhinagar, Servotech Power Systems has already installed more than 30 systems at Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Bhavan, Indroda Park, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Arya Bhavan, and other places.

MNRE has invited proposals for pilot demonstration of new and innovative solar applications under GIZ and MNRE’s bilateral project.

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