With solar power becoming more and more attractive as an alternative source of clean energy, it’s refreshing to see India, a country relatively new to this concept, taking measures to harness this powerful energy source to its fullest. The last of these strides, The Rabi Rashmi Abasan housing project, which was conceived, designed, engineered and built by West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency (WBREDA) and Bengal DCL. is India’s first building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) project and is in no way a mean achievement.

The complex has been built on a plot of 1.76 acres at Action Area I in New Town, Kolkata. The project is made up of 26 photovoltaic systems using 464 units of Conergy C125W solar modules installed by SunTechnics India, a brand of the Conergy Group. The solar modules are fitted on the roofs and provide each home with 2kW power thus fulfilling the electricity needs of the homes, and any surplus power will be sent to the public grid. This BIPV system is estimated to save 0.5 kgs of carbon emissions for every kW hour of solar power produced.

Apart from the active solar power features, these building boast passive solar features and architecture as well. The architecture ensures better natural lighting, natural ventilation and natural cooling during those hot summers, while the active features ensures that all that heat will give you a relaxing hot bath at the end of the day. Other attractions in the colony include garbage management system, battery operated pick-up vans for residents, solar street lights, and a swimming pool with solar water heating system. Here’s looking at a greener India. I hope this trend catches on.

via: Inhabitat288383