Meghalaya CM Launches Solar Power Initiative at Shillong School

Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated a 50 KW solar photovoltaic plant at St. Mary's Higher Secondary School in Shillong on June 2. The project falls under the state government's Chief Minister's Solar Mission, which aims to provide reliable power through integrated battery backup systems capable of sustaining energy needs during rainy weather.

This solar installation is projected to reduce the school's electricity bills by over Rs 45,000 each month. Beyond the financial benefits, the initiative intends to foster sustainable habits among students. Sangma noted that the school is now near energy self-reliance, with the government planning to move the institution entirely off the grid in the near future.

The Chief Minister reported that the solar mission has already installed more than 1.5 MW of capacity across nearly 700 schools in the state. Plans are currently underway to expand the program to an additional 1,300 schools. The state envisions a long-term goal where educational institutions can utilize net metering to supply excess power to their local communities.