CM to give cheques towards set-off amount to beneficiaries of rooftop solar project in V’dara today
Those who decided to join the state government’s rooftop solar power scheme will begin reaping the fruits now. The government is all set to pay the set-off amount in cash against energy generated through rooftop solar panels in households. Kicking off the exercise, chief minister Vijay Rupani will on Friday distribute cheques to 100 beneficiaries in Vadodara.
The state government had launched the scheme to motivate people to opt for green energy. As per the scheme, participants will get set-off amount against power generated through solar panels on their rooftops. The exercise will now become a routine affair.
The chief minister’s office (CMO) said on Thursday that the government had made special provision in its budget for this scheme and earmarked Rs 35 crore covering 20,000 beneficiaries for fiscal year 2017-18.
The cost of installation of rooftop solar power plant of 1KW is Rs 69,000. “Centre gives Rs 20,700 for setting up a rooftop solar panel plant of 1KW capacity. The state government increased the assistance by Rs 10,000 per KW, with the maximum amount of Rs 20,000 per beneficiary. So far, 15,000 applications have been received from across the state, with installation capacity of power generation of 35,000KW,” the CMO said.
Post budget this year, Rupani had made changes in the rooftop solar plant policy that was launched in 2015. According to the earlier rules, a stakeholder would be allowed to generate solar power through rooftop panels up to 50% of total sanctioned load for domestic use by discoms (electricity distribution companies). However, Rupani scrapped the upper limit.
Other initiatives
CM Rupani will distribute 300 battery-operated two-wheelers among students of classes 8 to 12 on Friday. The state government will also initiate the pilot project of providing nutritious food to pregnant women and lactating mothers under ‘Poshan Sudha’ scheme in five districts. These women will be given one meal through anganwadis.
Gujarat and solar energy
Under national solar mission, the central government has set the target of generating 1 lakh MW grid-connected solar power from 20,000MW by 2022. Gujarat has been given the target of generating 8,024MW energy, of which 3,200MW would be grid-connected power. The state government has total installed capacity of 1,300MW including captive and commercial solar power plant, but rooftop power accounts for hardly 30MW, while the actual power generation is even lesser, say sources. Initially, the state government will give the benefits of solar power policy to 1 lakh customers. Beyond that, the government will decide after a review.
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