Before the formal inauguration solar panels installed as part of Bhopal smart city project have reportedly started showing signs of wear-and-tear.
The 750 KW solar project at Upper lake front is a Bhopal smart city project reports ToI.
Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) back in 2019 signed MoU with SECI for the installation, with MP Urja Vikas Nigam Limited.
The project was expected to be completed in 2019 but it got delayed.
The solar panels have been installed in a stretch of almost a kilometer on the lake front.
BSCDCL official speaking to the publication on condition of anonymity said Trial run of the project has begun. Power generated from the solar panels is being used to power the BMC water pumping station at Karbala. If the panels are broken or damaged, they would be replaced. The operation and maintenance of the project has been outsourced for five years.”
One of the biggest question that BMC needs to answer is, if within 2 year span solar panels starts showing signs of wear and tear , what will happen to solar panel after five years even if replaced? There should be at least 25 years of contract with the developer and O&M company, the corporation should not let the public money get wasted.