NT Reporter
Panaji
The state is planning a floating solar power project in Panaji’s backwaters with an investment of Rs 19.51 crore. The project, which is expected to generate more than 7,000 MWh of electricity annually, will increase clean energy output without need for land acquisition.
The project is among the first floating solar initiatives planned in the state, said Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) officials said.
“The estimated cost of Rs 19.51 crore includes solar modules, floating structures, electrical systems, inverters, transformers, transmission lines and installation. The cost per megawatt is estimated at around Rs 5.42 crore,” an official said.
The proposed plant will have a capacity of 4.38 MWp and will be set up over about 8.36 acres of water surface.
According to the detailed project report prepared under the Indo-German Energy Programme and implemented by GIZ, the project has been designed as an alternative to land-based solar installations, particularly in Goa where land availability is limited.
“The project will help increase clean energy generation while avoiding land acquisition. Electricity generated from the plant will be supplied to the grid through a dedicated transmission line connected to a 33/11 kV substation located about 2 km away,” said the official, adding that the state’s climatic conditions are suitable for floating solar generation.
Power generation is expected to peak in March and reduce during monsoon months due to cloud cover and rainfall, the official said.
The levelised cost of electricity has been estimated at Rs 4.49 per kWh. The project is expected to operate for 25 years and generate revenue through power sales.
The project will use solar modules of about 565 Wp each along with inverters, transformers and floating platforms designed for energy conversion and grid synchronisation. A mooring system suited to local hydrological conditions has also been proposed.
