There is a lot of potential for solar power in large PSU's like the Railways. For one, they can allocate funds for the capital expenditure required for buying and installing solar power plants/solar panels on their roof. Second, they have abundant space for installing solar panels on their roofs. Third, if one division executes a project successfully (pilot) it is easy to convince others to follow suit. At least, the amount of work required to convince other divisions, is very less.
Five divisions of Bhopal rail division have already adopted solar power for their electricity requirements. They have installed a 5 KW solar plant (each) and 800 AH batteries to power their stations. It makes a lot of sense now for solar installers/solution providers to approach other divisions elsewhere in the country and try to convince them on utilizing solar power (at least partially or as a backup). Entire stations can be powered using solar energy and who knows, Railways might be looking for it!
As you might be aware, Railways is the largest public sector employer and have multiple divisions across the country. Railways has a decentralized procurement policy (individual divisions can buy most of what they want, except for certain services that are coordinated centrally). Being a Government body, they follow the tender process and contracts are awarded to L1 bidders. But they can still ensure quality from vendors as they follow a strict technical evaluation procedure.
They generally have access to a lot of funds and there is a good chance that they are wasting them on back-up generators, etc. If you are a solar installer/reseller, do try to initiate a discussion on this topic with your local railway division. If railways adopts solar power in a big way, many other PSU's will follow suit.
They generally have access to a lot of funds and there is a good chance that they are wasting them on back-up generators, etc. If you are a solar installer/reseller, do try to initiate a discussion on this topic with your local railway division. If railways adopts solar power in a big way, many other PSU's will follow suit.
