Chennai: Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), which produces light, medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles for the Indian volume market under the BharatBenz brand name, has announced the set-up of its first solar power project within its plant at Oragadam, near Chennai.

The solar power focus began last year in line with Daimler’s global focus to turn towards green energy. The focus is not only in creating environment-friendly products but also on such energies for internal use. This is also in-line with the company’s initiative to create better self-sufficiency in power that reduces dependency on conventional power. DICV says it will enhance its focus on new and renewable energies.

Speaking on the occasion, Marc Llistosella, managing director and CEO, DICV, said: “The pressure on the environment is increasing as economies are expanding rapidly and the demand for power is always increasing. We have a responsibility to society to reduce our carbon footprint. In line with our responsible focus globally, Daimler is always exploring possibilities to turn to alternate means of energy. We are happy that the government of Tamil Nadu has taken initiatives in this regard on a large scale. Our first project is set in the right direction and we will take this further.”

The solar power project used the roof structure of DICV’s Parts Logistics Warehouse. More than 1000 poly crystalline solar PV modules, each with a capacity of 280W, have been installed. The total installed capacity is 300 KW and the modules are connected in series. They are formed as strings and connected to 15 units of 17kW transformer-less string inverters. DC power produced by solar PV modules is converted into AC power by the string inverters and fed into 415V bus available at the premises. The solar PV modules are installed on a specially designed roof structure, which is oriented south in direction, in order to increase efficiency.

Power produced from the solar PV modules will be synchronised with TANGEDCO grid at 415V level and will be fully utilised inside the DICV plant. The power produced will be adjusted against the Solar Purchase Obligations (SPO) which is mandated by the state Government as per the Tamil Nadu Solar Energy Policy 2012.