SunTechnics India, a notable brand within the Conergy Group—a leading global supplier specializing in solar system integration—has achieved a significant milestone by designing and installing India’s inaugural green housing project, featuring innovative building-integrated solar power. This remarkable 58 kilowatt initiative was realized in partnership with the West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency (WBREDA) as part of a pioneering effort in solar architecture for the eco-friendly Rabi Rashmi Abasan housing complex situated in New Town Kolkata.
Valued at around 600K Euros, the project encompasses 26 photovoltaic systems, which include a total of 464 units of the Conergy C125W solar modules. Each of these modules was meticulously customized with a variety of geometric shapes designed to harmonize with the unique roof profiles of each individual building. These systems work by converting sunlight into electricity, thereby optimizing energy efficiency and producing clean energy that will power lighting and other domestic utilities. Furthermore, the generated power will be fed into the public grid, catering to the electricity needs of 25 residential buildings alongside a communal center.
Rajesh Bhat, CEO of SunTechnics India, shared insights on the project, stating, "Using building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) elements, buildings can maximize their energy efficiency by saving 0.5 kilograms of carbon emissions for every kilowatt hour of solar power produced. Green buildings are thus highly advantageous for consumers and real estate developers in large capital cities. In addition to reaping the benefits of energy cost reductions, green buildings are also interesting architectural applications as they are highly distinctive and innovative."
The project also received commendation from S P Gon Chowdhury, the former director of WBREDA and Managing Director of the West Bengal Green Energy Development Corporation. He remarked, "Conergy has demonstrated a deep commitment to the Indian community and a great willingness to combat climate change through renewable energy technologies. These are values we share. We are extremely pleased to explore the benefits of solar architecture with Conergy in the landmark Rabi Rashmi Abasan housing complex, which we hope will inspire other green initiatives and projects in India."
Additionally, S K Bhattacharyay, Director-in-Charge of WBREDA, noted, "This is the first BIPV project in India using the net metering system of Power Transfer to Grid, implemented under the newly-formulated policy guidelines of the West Bengal State Electricity Regulatory Commission. Its innovative architecture is based on the solar passive concept—where buildings are oriented to receive the southern breeze, while cavities of the walls are constructed with polyurethane foam insulations to withstand extreme temperatures."
In the broader context of its operations in India, Conergy has successfully electrified over 250 remote villages with solar home and street lighting systems. They have also made headlines with the development of the world’s highest photovoltaic and wind hybrid system nestled in the Himalayas. Beyond India, Conergy has established two significant 1-megawatt solar parks in South Korea and is in the process of planning Australia’s largest wind farm at 1,000 megawatts located in New South Wales, in collaboration with strategic partner Macquarie Capital.