Go green: Companies are looking for rooftops to set up solar panels

In a bid to build their rooftop solar installations, companies are targeting rooftops of commercial and industrial buildings.

You can rent your rooftop for solar installations and in return get power at cheaper rates.

"Around 240 sq mt of rooftop space is good enough for setting up a rooftop solar power plant that can viably sell power to the building and earn some decent profits," Sunil Jain, chief executive of Hero Future Energies, told ET, adding “In fact, some five-six companies including Hero Future Energy have already entered the fray and are on the lookout for large rooftop space in industrial complexes, commercial buildings, malls and gated communities.”

Experts say that at least 8sq mt of rooftop is needed to set up solar panels, which will generate 1 kilo watt power.

During power cuts, one can easily avail the power.

"In Delhi, solar power can be made available between Rs 6.25 and Rs 7 per unit from rooftop installations. This is cheaper for the companies that consume large volumes of power," said Jain.

"There is a feeling that the rooftop belongs to the families staying on the top floor, hence they feel that they are entitled to the power being generated from rooftop. But legally, the roof belongs to all flat owners and the power generated should be used for common purposes," a senior executive from a solar power company told ET.

"A standard format for legal documents and agreements for rooftop solar plants will go a long way is increasing rooftop installations even on residential apartments," he said.

(Image: Reuters)