Educational institutions are among the many organizations increasingly adopting solar energy to meet their electricity demands, reduce electricity bills, and leave a greener energy footprint.

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut in Kerala is installing a 1.2 MW rooftop solar project to meet the increased electricity demand expected from the planned infrastructure expansion, including academic buildings, hostels, and research facilities.

The project, being installed under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, follows earlier solar systems installed on select buildings as part of NIT’s long-term infrastructure strategy.

The new solar project is expected to offset a significant portion of the institution’s daytime electricity load, enhance the institution’s energy resilience as its campus expands, and secure a fixed, long-term electricity tariff without upfront capital investment.

NIT has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Vyomaa Energy, which will finance, construct, and operate the project for an estimated capital expenditure of ₹40 million (~$439,669.2) to ₹45 million (~$494,627.85), excluding GST.

NIT will not incur any upfront capital expenditure. The ownership of the project will be transferred to the institution after 25 years.

The institution’s annual electricity consumption is approximately 8.43 GWh. Its spending on energy charges, demand charges, taxes, and statutory surcharges amounts to ₹68 million (~$747,437.64) per year.

The solar project is expected to generate 1.73 GWh per year, with a contracted capacity utilization factor of 16.5%. The rooftop solar system is projected to supply approximately 20.6% of NIT’s total annual power requirements and provide savings of about ₹210 million (~$2.31 million) over the PPA term.

The solar energy will be used for captive consumption across the NIT campus. Any surplus or export will be treated in accordance with the provisions of the PPA and the applicable state or distribution company metering or open access rules.

The rooftop project will use high-efficiency monocrystalline bifacial Mono PERC cells, each with a capacity of approximately 550 Wp. The project will be connected to multiple string inverters of 30 kW, 110 kW, and 150 kW. All inverters will include maximum power point tracking and remote-monitoring features.

Vyomaa expects to complete the completion and commissioning within 16 to 20 weeks of site mobilization. Final commissioning will be confirmed after statutory clearances and equipment delivery schedules are confirmed.

The company has delivered nearly 5 MW of rooftop solar capacity for educational institutions.

NIT stated that the 1.2 MW solar installation represents the first structured phase of its renewable energy initiatives. As the campus expands, the institute plans to evaluate additional rooftop capacity along with battery energy storage systems.

Commercial and industrial consumers can lower their electricity expenses by switching to solar energy. To promote awareness of its benefits, Mercom India hosts a series of Clean Energy Meets across India. The next event is scheduled to take place in Bhopal on March 13, 2026.