Mumbai, August 24, 2016 – SolarTown Energy Solutions Pvt Ltd, a pioneer in India’s solar industry specialising in the sale, lease and installation of solar rooftop systems for residential, commercial and industrial customers, has announced the installation of a 41 kW net-metered solar rooftop system at the historic Bombay Presidency Radio Club, one of Mumbai’s oldest clubs. The club, which opened in 1928, gained its name and historical significance for being the first radio station to broadcast in Mumbai. It has now reached a new milestone – the first commercial establishment in Mumbai to have a net-metered solar PV system installed on its building. This will enable the Radio Club to sell its excess electricity back to the grid under Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) and further reduce its utility bill. The Radio Club is estimated to save more than Rs 8,50,000 annually from its new solar system.

“We were tired of paying costly utility bills but were not sure how to cut costs without having to invest a lot of money,” said Rajesh Mehrotra, a member of the Managing Committee at the Radio Club. “After reviewing a number of proposals, we chose SolarTown because of their experience, product quality and the fact that they could deliver a reliable solar rooftop solution that would save us on our electricity bill without depleting capital. This installation gives us the triple benefit of saving on our operating expenses without any capital investment while also reducing our carbon footprint.”

The Radio Club entered into a no upfront cost, 25-year lease agreement with SolarTown at a rate that is 35 to 40 per cent lower than their utility tariff. The installed system delivers clean power at a fixed cost over the length of the lease and includes maintenance services. The rooftop system will offset 20 per cent of the Radio Club’s energy consumption from the grid and more than 1,189 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the solar installation.

“We are proud to be the first commercial establishment to commission a net-metered solar rooftop installation in Mumbai, giving our customers another reason to opt for solar without the burden of huge upfront costs,” said Vikram Dileepan, founder and CEO of SolarTown. “It gives us great pleasure to make history alongside an esteemed organization like the Radio Club, while enabling them to meet their green energy goals and save dramatically on their electricity bills.”

The Radio Club, located on the Arabian Sea, required a solar PV solution built to withstand wind speeds of 200 kmph during monsoons. SolarTown constructed high grade solar structures with a special grade coating coupled with high quality weatherproofing to prevent corrosion. The system was installed over two rooftops to maximize electricity generation.

SolarTown has a performance guarantee along with worry-free O&M service included with all its solar installations, covering any required repairs and replacement parts during the term of the lease.