Vijayawada Railway Station becomes the first Station to be equipped with a Total of 130 kWp Capacity BIPV Solar Coveron Platform in Indian Railways

65 kWp BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic) Solar Roof commissioned at Vijayawada Railway station

Shri P. Srinivas, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada virtually commissioned 65 kWp BIPV (Building Integrated PhotoVoltaic) Solar Cover on Platforms in Vijayawada Railway Station today i.e., 30th June, 2021. With this Vijayawada Station now boasts of an innovative solar photovoltaic cover-over-platform (COP) having the highest capacity of 130 kWp across the Indian Railway network. This BIPV Solar Roof with integrated solar panels (without any galvanised sheets) in addition to its power generation harnessing solar energy will act as shelter to passengers on platform. This solar roof is provided at a cost of Rs.62 Lakh. This innovative solar platform cover will result in saving of Rs 8.1 Lakh per annum. The power generation from the panels caters to around 17.8% of the power needs of Vijayawada Station. 

On recommendation of Shri P. Srinivas, DRM to cover the gap between existing shelter and BIPV roof for a length of 32 meter on Platform No. 4 and 5, another 65kWp Solar plant was sanctioned.

Accordingly, 54 kWp on Platform No 4 and 5 and 11 kWp on Platform No. 8&9 covering 08 metres length shelter was erected and commissioned. Previously Solar High capacity Building Integrated PhotoVoltaic Solar plant of 65kWp was installed on Platform No.4 and 5 in December, 2019 for a length of 33 metres.

With these solar panels, a total capacity of 130 kWp solar roof has been installed on Vijayawada Station, resulting in total savings of around 2.12 Lakh Units/Year, saving a huge sum of Rs.16.36 Lakh per annum. It will also help in reducing carbon emission from conventional power. With the savings, the total cost incurred on the BIPV Solar can be compensated in just 7.5 years.

Shri P. Srinivas, DRM congratulated Shri V. Venkata Ramana, Sr. DEE/Maintenance and Staff for their outstanding performance and in bringing laurels to the Division. He said that such innovations will not only result in huge savings but also contribute hugely to sustainable environmental goals. Shri P. Srinivas also conveyed his wishes to Shri V. Venkata Ramana, Sr DEE/M, who is superannuating today for his illustrious service of 40 years to Indian Railways