The roofs of these Diesel Electrical Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains will be equipped with at least 16 panels, including backup batteries. Solar panels on carriages will generate 7,200kw per year. IR intends to use solar energy in the trains’ coaches for lighting, fans, and other electrical systems.
Each DEMU train will save approximately 21,000 liters per year. Solar-powered trains reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nine tonnes per year.
Solar-powered trains are also a part of the government’s efforts to promote home solar systems in India. Solar is an area that the Indian government sees as having a great deal of potential to grow. India has one of the largest solar power subsidies in the world. Visible initiatives such as the solar train or solar tree projects will help to increase awareness of the benefits of home solar.
The solar train, meanwhile, is also a feat of engineering as it is the first time solar panels have been used on a moving platform. Indian Railways has already implemented a maintenance plan for the new trains. The panels should last around 25 years. The life of the panels is comparable to rooftop installations offered by leading solar panel manufacturers in India, such as SolarByLuminous. This indicates a cleaner and brighter future for India’s transport sector.
Contact us if you’re interested in learning more about rooftop solar installation in Delhi NCR and India’s green power transformation.