September 17, 2020, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wisanu Subsompon, Vice President for Property Management and Innovation, supervising the Property Management Office, Chulalongkorn University, together with Mr. Somboon Lertsuwannaroj, Managing Director of Impact Solar Group, Mr. Kentaro Matsumura, COO of Impact Solar Group, Mr. Thongchai Vijarnjaroen, Deputy Managing Director, Power Grid Business Group, Italthai Engineering Co., Ltd., Mr. Phuwadol Soontornwipat, Secretary-General of the Thai Photovoltaic Industries Association, Mr. Charin Kulpraditsilp, Director of Smart Energy, Italthai Engineering Co., Ltd., and Dr. Sombat Vanichprapa, Smart City Project Consultant, Property Management Office, Chulalongkorn University, jointly launched the PMCU Solar Carpark project, a project under the concept of ‘Chula Smart City’ of Chulalongkorn University to enhance parking spaces for electricity production derived from solar energy. It is intended to be an efficient energy management, while at the same time, promoting clean energy and use as a prototype for various other agencies. The total roof area used is 4,000 square meters with an installed power of 770 kilowatts, which is capable of generating more than 1.1 million units of electricity per year, or equivalent to approximately 4.4 million baht worth of electricity per year. Efforts are also made to install a solar power generation system on the roof of the parking lot at the Samyan Market.
Mr. Somboon Lertsuwanroj, Managing Director of Impact Solar Group, Thailand’s leading developer of integrated rooftop solar system services, said that the PMCU Solar Carpark project is to improve the condition of the parking lot with a solar roof in the form of Private PPA, which will help reduce the use of electricity with clean energy from solar power within the organization, reduce the cost of electricity, and help support to create a smart energy society, and help reduce energy consumption through the use of smart technology. Impact Solar Group was tasked with the responsibility of investing in the installation and development of a solar panel system for generating electricity on the roof of all parking spaces within Chulalongkorn University. It piloted the installation at the Block 28 project parking lot in front of the Samyan Market, with an investment budget of approximately 24 million baht. Additionally, the Company is also responsible for the post-installation maintenance throughout the contract period serviced by a professional team. Impact Solar Group is considered a comprehensive service developer in the field of integrated rooftop solar power systems in the form of the country’s largest Private PPA. The Company’s project achievements include several leading customers, such as Chulalongkorn University, Saha Group, Big C Department Store, Thai Union Group, SB Group Furniture, and many others.
Mr. Thongchai Vijarnjaroen, Deputy Managing Director of Electrical Network Business Group, Italthai Engineering Co., Ltd., revealed that “throughout the operations of Italthai Engineering, it can be regarded as the market leader in providing comprehensive engineering and construction services with a commitment to continually develop construction services with advanced technology. Its latest collaboration with Impact Solar Co., Ltd. in developing and installing the “Solar Carpark” for Chulalongkorn University at the parking lot in front of the Block 28 project, Samyan Market, the Company was responsible for the design, equipment procurement, engineering, installation, and construction, with a total roof area of approximately 4,000 square meters. Presently, the installation has been completed and is now ready to open for service under the name of the “PMCU Solar Carpark” project, under the management of the Property Management Office, Chulalongkorn University. The Company is very honored to participate in the development and construction of the project that should prove beneficial to the community in which the production of electricity from solar energy will result in clean energy that will promote social upgrading to Smart Energy Management toward sustainable development.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wisanu Subsompon, Vice President for Property Management and Innovation, supervising the Property Management Office, Chulalongkorn University, added that Chulalongkorn University came up with the idea of developing the area within the university to be a model of a smart city under the concept of “Chula Smart City” with a vision to develop the area into becoming an innovative district that creates value for the community and society. It should be a combination of the quality of life and business aiming for maximum benefits for sustainable good living based on 4 main concepts, or “SMART 4”, which consists of “SMART MOBILITY, SMART ENERGY, SMART LIVING, and SMART ENVIRONMENT, by developing and installing the “PMCU Solar Carpark” project in the Samyan Market parking lot. The project is based on the SMART ENERGY concept which promotes intelligent energy management through the efficient use of intelligent infrastructure and technology. The electricity production process will focus on the production of renewable energy, or clean energy, to reduce the impact on the environment and society. The development and installation of this cooperative “PMCU Solar Carpark” project is to show the potential for professional organization development in the creative management of Chulalongkorn University’s commercial space and become a prototype for the cooperative study of the installation of solar power generation systems (Solar Rooftop) and energy storage systems. If it proceeds in accordance with the established guidelines, the “PMCU Solar Carpark” project will become a prototype project for the government and private agencies to expand on the model and technology and promote the use of solar power generation systems that will help reduce the use of wasteful natural resources sustainably, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wisanu said.
