Skoda Auto Volkswagen to Install Largest Solar Rooftop Panels at its Chakan Plant

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited has announced that it is setting up one of the largest solar-power rooftop systems in India at its Chakan-based facility. Skoda Auto has aligned with Amp Energy to install a total of 25,770 photovoltaic panels that will cover up to 15 per cent of the annual electricity requirements of site. The solar panels have a maximum output of 8.5 megawatts and will help reduce the Skoda Auto’s dependency on non-renewable energy at the Chakan plant.

"By putting the solar-power system into operation at our plant in Pune, we are reinforcing our commitment and making an important contribution to the sustainable ecological future of our company. We plan to implement further environmentally friendly projects in the future, actively ensuring that India contributes to reducing CO2 emissions worldwide," according to Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director of SAVWPL.

Volkswagen Group has plans to set up a carbon-neutral facility at the Chakan plant in coming 10 years. The photovoltaic system comprises 25,770 highly efficient polycrystalline panels that cover 63,000 sq. metres of roof space on the body shop complex. The installation will generate a total of 12.2 million kWh of energy per year and reduce CO2 emissions from the production plant to over 9000 tonnes annually. The set-up will also help reduce direct heat radiation in the workshop, as per the group.

"We are pushing ahead with our target of achieving carbon-neutral production worldwide by 2030. By commissioning the new solar-power rooftop system at the Pune site, we are also setting an example for sustainability and a sense of responsibility in India," according to Michael Oeljeklaus, Skoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics.