KARACHI, Jan 1: An institute of solar technology will be set up at the University of Karachi, KU vice-chancellor Prof Zafar Saeed Saify said on Tuesday.

He said some old students of Karachi University, currently living in Saudi Arabia, had offered to finance the project.

Prof Saify said a feasibility report of the project was being prepared by Dr Feroze Ahmed of the Department of Geography.

Upon approval, the building of the institute will be constructed within the premises of the Geography department, he added.

He was optimistic that the institute would start functioning towards the end of this year.

Solar cells will be produced at the institute, which will also be used for generation of electricity.

Initially, the electricity requirements of Karachi University would be met through the application of solar technology, while in the second phase, the solar cells would be produced for the commercial use and for export to the Middle East.—APP