Government Proposes Rs 23,450 Crore Rooftop Solar Scheme

The scheme will integrate discoms as an implementing agency in the second phase of the rooftop solar scheme.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has prepared a concept note on ‘Sustainable Rooftop Implementation for Solar Transfiguration of India (SRISTI)’ to the tune of Rs 23,450 crore to state power distribution companies, or discoms, for installation of rooftop solar plants in residential sectors.

“The concept, once approved, shall serve as the basis of revised scheme of MNRE for solar rooftop in Phase-II and will replace the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs note that has been submitted to cabinet since April this year,” an official statement said.

The Ministry is implementing Grid Connected Rooftop Solar (RTS) Power Programme in which subsidy/incentives are being provided for residential, institutional, social and Government sector. States/UTs have also taken conducive policy and regulatory measures for promotion of solar rooftop.

The scheme will integrate discoms as an implementing agency in the second phase of the rooftop solar scheme, the statement added.

Discoms will be incentivised to install grid-connected rooftop solar plants in their area. It is proposed that a Central Financial Assistance will be provided only for installation of roof top solar plants in residential sectors.

The Narendra Modi government had set an ambitious target to achieve of 40 GW of rooftop solar till 2021-2022. So far, 2,047-megawatt peak capacity plants have been sanctioned under the programme, and about 845-megawatt peak aggregate capacity plants have been installed.

The total outlay is Rs 23,450 crore for 40,000 MW of rooftop solar installations.

Mentioning the sector wise targets, the proposal said that Commercial and industrial sector will set up 20,000 MW, the government, Residential, Social and the Institutional sector will set up 5,000 MW each

The ministry has sought feedback on the concept note by December 31.

Source: PIB