The document proposes building solar roofs over train lines to generate vast reserves of electricity. A solar roof over Mumbai's Western Railway lines could generate 3494.4 MW per day, exceeding the city's current daily consumption of 3288 MW. It would be economically feasible due to declining solar panel costs and no land costs. Benefits include reduced carbon emissions, less coal-based power generation, and rural electrification. While upfront costs are high, returns are ensured. The idea combines environmental protection, conservation, and economic viability with wide applicability due to extensive global railway networks.

1. Apollo to the !
Submitted by:
Sukanya Honkote
St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
Sukumar Honkote
IIT, Mumbai

2. The energy situation in 20
years will go from urgent to dire.
The purer ores of coal are fast
getting depleted and coal
extraction costs will keep
rising
+
There is alarming water
shortage in most countries
even without drought.
+
Inflation is eminent because of
the large demand-supply gap. = Disaster
The idea is to devise such a solution that it adds to our disaster preparedness in a big way.

3. A solar roof over train
A solar roof of electricity.
lines
• The world has a vast
network of train lines,
most of them over flat
surfaces and covering
uniform widths. A roof of
solar panels can be built
over the entire train
network to generate
vast reserves of
electricity.
• This electricity will
power all the lights, fans,
ACs etc in the train
except for actually
powering the train.

4. Energy Output
Western Railway, Mumbai, India
Length: 64,000 meters
Width: 40 meters (4 tracks of 5m each)
Intensity of sunlight falling on Mumbai: 6.5kWh/m2/day
Efficiency of solar panels (converting incident light to electricity): 21%
Hence, total electricity produced: 3494.400MW/day
Mumbai’s Current Electricity Consumption: 3,288 MW/day

5.  Economic Feasibility
 Cost of solar panels shows a clearly declining trend.
 Minimum additional costs other than building of poles and
maintenance
 Economically profitable due to economies of scale. Even
households that invest in solar energy for their homes
experience positive returns over a period of time.

6.  Cost of land is absent: space above rail tracks is of no
economic value
 No additional input necessary other than poles to hold up
the roof
 Short term benefits: carbon credits to rail corporations
Long tem benefits: the long life of panels (25 years) means
reduced losses due to depreciation
 Power stations at railway terminals will satisfy terminal
energy needs
 Surplus energy can be redistributed to households

7.  Reduction in carbon footprint
 Drop in pollution caused due to electricity generated
through coal.
 Dangerous nuclear power reactors can be abandoned.
 Electricity to villages along train lines thereby leading to
rural development
 Spread of green awareness
 More availability of electricity. Load shedding will be history!

8.  Heavy input costs.
However, the project promises definite returns and is hence
worthwhile.
 Low intensity electricity generated
Solar power can currently only be used to power lighter
equipment. However, research is going into finding ways to
increase intensity.
Research suggests that the
environmental cost of producing
solar panels is recovered within 3
years itself. Since it lasts for 25
years it is definitely a net green
source of energy.

9.  This is a unique idea that combines environmental concerns,
conservation of resources and economic viability.
 Scope for wide application due to the extensive railway
networks all over the world.
 Crucial for disaster preparedness.
THANK YOU

10. 1) The Looming Energy Shortfall, http://www.paulchefurka.ca/EnergyGap.html
2) Best Solar Panels (PV) – How to Make Your Choice? http://www.renewable-energy-
sources.com
3) “The first solar energy tunnel solar charging train in Belgium”,
www.eammarsolar.com
4) “Thirst for power will see demand in Mumbai rise by 886MW”, Times of India article,
Oct 27, 2011
5) Wikipedia