By Going Solar, These Retired Air Force Officers in Mumbai Are Serving the Nation yet Again

They served the nation with their heroism and now they are doing their bit to protect the country, albeit in a different way. Trishul Cooperative Housing Society (CHS) is an apartment complex in the famous Lokhandwala Complex of Mumbai. It is also the home of many ex-Indian Air Force pilots, who flew for Air India and are now enjoying their retired life. One can see true passion for the country hearing these Faujis speak. They still address themselves as Captains and they are now captains of clean energy.

The CHS was looking for ways to become environmentally friendly and were considering solar energy as a way to reduce their monthly common electricity bill. Decision making in an apartment complex can be a complex process with many opinions to take into consideration. They were patient and so were we at Sunvest. We spent almost a year discussing with the CHS. Multiple presentations, knowledge sharing sessions and cost benefit analysis led them to trust in the installation.

The 10 KW solar system takes about 1,000 sq.ft. and uses the area above the water tanks and lift room thereby not intruding with their usable roof, something which is prized in a space constrained city like Mumbai. The solar system powers high energy consuming water pumps and floor lights etc. After going solar their electricity bills have fallen from an average of Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 350 and the CHS has been producing more power than they can consume, they sell this excess power back to their Utility, under the net metering program.

Trishul is a model apartment complex for anyone planning to go solar and so are its people, even now proud of the nation, even now serving for its betterment. When the Sunvest team meets the Captains on our maintenance visits, they shake hands and give us the customary salute. Maybe we should be the ones saluting them.