Heritage sites tap sun's power, electricity bills dip
The solar panels at Jantar Mantar and Safdarjung's Tomb in New Delhi have helped slash the electricity bills of these centrally protected monuments almost by half. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is now thinking of expanding the initiative and installing solar panels at 11 other heritage sites in the capital. The panels at these two heritage sites were installed around six months ago, following an initiative of the ASI and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

The power bill for Jantar Mantar has seen a dip of Rs 5,000 per month i.e. from monthly Rs 15,000 to Rs 10,000. At Safdarjung's Tomb, where ASI also has an office, the bill was reduced from Rs 34,000 to Rs 25,000 per month. The daytime load at all heritage sites includes indoor lighting and fans, ventilation, solar photovoltaic pumps for irrigation, information kiosks and supply at the ticketing counters. The night load includes LED-based floodlights, garden and outdoor lights.