Renewable Energy

Students Observed Solar Rooftop Plant at GHRCEM, Pune

On November 12, 2024, the Renewable Energy Club, under the Mechanical Engineering Department of GHRCEM Pune, organized an industrial visit to the solar rooftop plant located on the roof of GHRCEM. This visit aimed to provide students with practical insights into solar energy technology and its applications.

The visit was conducted by Mr. Kamal Ukey, the Coordinator of the Renewable Energy Club. He provided an informative overview of the working principles of solar cells, explaining that solar cells operate on the principle of the photovoltaic effect. This effect generates free electrons when light of a certain wavelength strikes semiconductor materials. Mr. Ukey further elaborated on the functioning of the solar rooftop plant, detailing how sunlight hits the photovoltaic (PV) tiles, which are then absorbed by the solar cells, creating a flow of electric current. This direct current (DC) energy is subsequently sent to a solar inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) energy suitable for powering homes. The students actively participated in the visit, engaging with faculty and plant authorities to discuss the installation and operation of the solar plant. They also explored details regarding the plant's capacity of 75 kW and the associated installation costs.

Overall, the program was successfully conducted, with a total of 47 students from various departments and 3 faculty members participating in the visit to the solar plant. This experience not only enhanced the students' understanding of renewable energy systems but also inspired them to consider future careers in the field of sustainable energy.