New Delhi: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has come up with a plan to install solar panels on rooftops of all heritage sites and historical monuments. According to reports, the Ministry of Culture has confirmed the decision and has received the clearance for the project.
The process of installing solar photovoltaic systems with the view towards lighting up these monuments will start from July-August this year. The funds for the project have already been allocated by the Ministry of Culture.
“All the rooftops of the ASI protected monuments will come under the purview of the initiative. We will cover the rooftops with solar power panels to light up the area at night. It will help save on the electricity bills significantly,” an official told India Today.
5MW to 25MW solar power units will be installed at each site initially, but the capacity will be increased based on the requirements of the monuments. Once the panels are installed, the monuments will be lit up after sunset for tourists to enjoy the view.
“It is an ongoing process and will be executed in phases. The fund has been sanctioned already by the ministry. It will be implemented in all archaeological sites where the rooftop is available for necessary solar installation. The capacity of the solar panels may increase at some sites where the requirement would be higher as per the physical geography of the location,” he added. The ASI is engaged in protection and preservation of 3,686 protected monuments of national importance spread all over India.