GURGAON: Nirvana Country, a posh township in Sector 50, is gearing up to become Gurgaon’s first ‘solar colony’.

Four months after the Haryana government made it mandatory for all buildings on plot size of 500 square yards or more to install rooftop solar power systems by September 2015, the RWA of Nirvana Country is set to sign an MoU with the Power Grid Corporation of India to become a solar colony.

Spread over 200 acres, housing 1,100 villas, the RWA plans to install solar panels on top of each house. Under the MoU, individual houses will be able to sell surplus power back to the Power Grid and earn revenue, or store and use it during power cuts. This is a first-of-its-kind initiative by an RWA in the city.

As per the terms of the MoU to be signed next Tuesday, the Power Grid will provide consultancy services to the RWA, prepare a DPR and help in the bidding process to select a vendor who will install the panels.

The local administration, too, is supporting this venture and says it will provide all necessary assistance. The RWA is hoping that it will be in a position to initiate this project in 9-12 months.

“This initiative has been taken collectively by members of the RWA. We hope every resident will come forward and participate. Not only will our bills reduce but efficiency will also increase. There will be a two-way meter connection and if a unit has surplus power, then the house can sell it to earn revenue or store it for future use. The residents can plan out their energy consumption accordingly,” said Sanu Kapila, president of Nirvana RWA.

According to Power Grid officials, 1 kilowatt solar panel provides around 100 units per month. “We will conduct a survey to find out how many kilo watt solar panels are needed for these 1,100 villas and only then will we be able to comment on the cost factor.

Also it is important to note that these solar panels can be installed on roofs that face southwards. There will be a centralized control system within the colony from where the entire thing will be monitored. There will also be net metering,” said a senior official.

Earlier this year, the Haryana government had made it mandatory for all plots measuring above 500 m to have solar panels. Gurgaon’s deputy commissioner T L Satyaprakash welcomed this move. “If we are able to do this, then it would be a model for the entire city. We will provide all needed assistance from our end,” he said.