The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) is presently engaged in the process of installing rooftop solar panels at all of its 21 stations, looking to substitute the purchase of much costlier power from the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL), reports Rail Analysis.

Presently, the power purchased from UPPCL costs the NMRC Rs 6.81 per unit while it will be generating solar power at a cost of just Rs 3.25 per unit. This yields a big margin for direct saving of Rs 3.56 per unit.

By deriving cheaper power from rooftop solar panels the NMRC aims to save as much as Rs 4.37 crore annually. Further, it should be noted that the power generated will be used to meet all the basic requirements of the NMRC stations and depots. It is also expected that all of the generated power would not be needed for usage, and thus will be fed back into the grid.

The NMRC has already installed solar panels on the roofs of 9 stations. Also, all the 21 stations of Aqua Line which is run under NMRC have been awarded the Green MRTS Platinum Rating under the elevated stations category by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).