Sambalpur: The Sambalpur University campus will soon be lit up with solar lighting system.

The University has signed an agreement with the state-run Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (Oreda) to install solar light panels and make lighting arrangements on its campus.

The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited of the Union power ministry has allotted a grant of Rs 3.43 crore for the purpose.

University registrar S.N. Nayak and project director D.N. Swain signed the agreement at Oreda office at Mancheswar near Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. University vice-chancellor Deepak Behera and officers from Oreda were present on the occasion.

As per the agreement, Oreda will install a project to generate and provide LED bulbs. Solar panels will be installed on the rooftop of 10 buildings of the university, such as the administrative building, various departments and hostels.

If energy is generated in excess of the varsity's consumption requirements, it will be given to the Western Electricity Supply Company (Wesco). With the installation and use of solar lighting system, the university's expenses on power consumption will be reduced to a great extent, said Nayak.