FEASIBILITY AND POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT OF SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION IN RAMAIAH TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS (MSRUAS)

This paper examines the feasibility of installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the Ramaiah Technology Campus (RTC) to promote sustainable energy use. The study evaluates rooftop availability, energy consumption patterns, and the potential to reduce dependence on diesel generators and conventional electricity. M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (MSRUAS) is a private university in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, and the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) is located within the Ramaiah Technology Campus (RTC) in Peenya, Bengaluru. Data from electricity bills, diesel usage, and power capacity were analyzed along with solar radiation data to determine the optimal system size. The FET campus includes four academic blocks and a girls’ hostel, offering a total rooftop area of 52,200 sq. ft., suitable for PV installation. With average solar irradiation of 5.3–5.6 kWh/m²/day, the system can support a capacity of 443.7 kW using 682 panels of 650 W each. The estimated annual energy generation is 8,09,752.5 kWh, resulting in savings of Rs. 36,43,886.25. The payback period is 6.0 years, reduced to 5.3 years with diesel savings, confirming technical viability and economic feasibility.