PANAJI
The State is looking to turn existing urban infrastructure into solar power-generating assets, with a detailed project report (DPR) finding a proposed 276.4 kWp urban photovoltaic (UPV) portfolio technically feasible and commercially accessible across three locations in and around Panaji.
The proposed projects seek to integrate solar generation into existing public infrastructure without requiring dedicated greenfield land, addressing one of the key constraints to expanding renewable energy in densely developed urban areas.
The three proposed installations comprise a solar-sheltered walking shed at the Mandovi Riverfront, solar trees along the Ponte de Linhares Causeway at Ribandar, and a solar-sheltered carport at Dr Jack de Sequeira Road, Miramar.
The Mandovi Riverfront project has been assessed at 115.8 kWp DC and 99 kW AC, with an elevated solar canopy integrated into pedestrian infrastructure. The Ribandar project envisages solar-tree structures with a capacity of 25 kWp, while the Miramar carport is proposed at 135.6 kWp DC and 120 kW AC. Together, the three installations constitute a 276.4 kWp DC/244 kW AC distributed solar portfolio.
“The three projects could serve as demonstration assets for scaling up urban photovoltaic deployment at other locations in Goa and potentially across India,” the DPR stated.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of Goa's limited availability of conventional land parcels for renewable-energy projects. The DPR notes that the State's dense urban infrastructure, existing public assets and proximity to electrical distribution networks create an opportunity to deploy solar systems by integrating them with structures and spaces that are already in use.
The DPR has been prepared under the Indo-German Energy Programme's “Energy Transition with DISCOMs” initiative, implemented by GIZ in collaboration with government and utility stakeholders.
“The projects are designed as grid-connected distributed solar systems, making use of available urban spaces while retaining their existing functions. The structural arrangements will be customised for walking sheds, solar trees and car-port structures while taking into account safety, accessibility, aesthetics and operational requirements,” the DPR stated.
The DPR evaluates government self-financing and independent power producer (IPP) models supported through tariff-based procurement mechanisms.
