Ashis Parida July 10, 2019
By adopting Green culture the Madurai airport is saving big on their electric bills. By converting just 30% of their power requirement into solar the Madurai airplane authority are saving a huge sum. With the expansion of the 730-kW solar panels in the month of April this year, the total capacity has increased to 900KW. With a one time investment or the setup cost of Rs. 4.8 crore for implanting the solar in the airport premise, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) are saving up to Rs. 10 lakh towards their monthly electric charges. 
As an approach, air terminals in the nation are switching to the green route by installing solar power to meet their power requirement to the maximum possible extent. Switching to solar has not only benefitted the airport authority to cut down their immense power charges it has also helped in preserving power for saving the environment. As per the officials of the Madurai air terminal they are looking forward to effectively minimize greenhouse gas emission which will hence help them in contributing to the country’s goal of minimizing environmental degradation.
Earlier the solar power installed with a capacity to generate 170- KW electricity was inaugurated in 2016 at a cost of 80 lakh. Afterward, with its success, solar panels to generate 730 KW were implanted on void grounds which have been in use since April 25, 2019.
Madurai airport director V V Rao said that, since most of the power requirement during day time is met through solar power, they are depending on Tamil Nadu Electricity Board mostly only during the night. While the requirement of power is 4 lakh units a month, around 1.35 lakh units are being met through solar power. The plant helps avoid carbon emission equivalent to sequestration of 7,500 full grown trees, he said.
Madurai air terminal chief V Rao said that, since the majority of the power necessity during day time is met through solar power, they are relying upon Tamil Nadu Electricity Board for the most part just during the night. While the necessity of electricity is 4 lakh units a month, around 1.35 lakh units are being met through solar power. The plant also helps in avoiding carbon emission equivalent to sequestration of 7,500 full developed trees, he added.
Due to investment in the solar plant the airport authority is going to save lots of money in the long run. These solar panels have a life of around 25 years with a low cost and a minimum maintenance requirement. The money invested in the installation of the solar facility can be recuperated in just four years. In a phased manner the airport authority of India is keeping on installing the solar power, the officials of the airport said.
With this Madurai airport has now become an example for other airports and big MNCs to convert into solar for saving money and nature.
