MUMBAI: Sun shines brighter on one of the oldest Shafai (Sunni sect) masjids in the city which has recently installed and inaugurated solar power generation system.
The Mahim Jama Masjid on November 21 joined a handful of city mosques that switched to renewable means of electricity.
The 15 KiloWatt (KW) solar panels installed on the rooftop of the iconic Jame Masjid (which fits 8,000 people) have helped in reducing the monthly power and save considerably on their electricity bills annually.
At present, the electricity bill is 45,000 to Rs 60,000 every month and was during Ramzan but has dropped after the installation of the solar-powered electricity system, reported Mid-Day.
“Apart from the monetary savings, the idea is to tell devotees about the importance of reduction in carbon emissions from the environment. We hope that the efforts are replicated and moving to solar becomes a mass movement, at least for all religious, educational and social institutions in the city. The idea is to spread awareness about environment protection among devotees, so they reduce their dependency on polluting sources such as oil and electricity. Lights, fans and air conditioners at all common areas within the mosque will be powered by solar energy produced by this plant. The concept of going solar has now been accepted by the entire community,” an official was quoted as saying.