AS Penang gravitates towards solar energy as part of its green agenda, installing solar panels at public facilities is the next step forward.
State local government committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the initiative would improve the state’s energy efficiency and reduce power costs.
“I have instructed both Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Prai Municipal Council to identify more public facilities to expand the solar energy project.
“Although this will cost us money, we will continue with it for the benefit of the people. This is in line with the state’s green agenda,” he said at a press conference after visiting the Walk@Chowrasta canopy project at Chowrasta market in George Town recently.
Jagdeep Singh said Chowrasta Market is the first market in the country to be certified under the Green Building Index (GBI).
Although this will cost us money, we will continue with it for the benefit of the people. This is in line with the state’s green agenda, says Jagdeep Singh.
He said Walk@Chowrasta was a canopy project that would provide shade for traders and marketgoers.
“Walk@Chowrasta is built with a rainwater harvesting tank which can collect up to 9,000 litres of water for cleaning the market and roads.
“The place will also be fitted with solar energy panels,” he said.
Jagdeep Singh said 110 solar panels would be installed on the canopy of the walkway.
“The canopy project costs MBPP RM2.5mil, while the solar panel installation costs RM180,000.
“The solar panels will be spread out along the 105m lane and will be installed by October.
“The Walk@Chowrasta project was awarded through an open tender to contractor Nazareka Sdn Bhd with Perunding YAA Sdn Bhd as the consultant,” he said.
Jagdeep Singh said the panels would save the city council about RM3,000 a month in energy bills at the site and is expected to recover the cost in about six years.
MBPP Mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said the city council is now looking at other premises to instal solar panels for energy efficiency and to cut energy costs.
“This is part of our green agenda so we will identify more premises to instal solar panels and harvest the sun’s energy,” he said.
