The government has finally become active in promoting rooftop solar. For this, the state recently declared Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (AVVNL) or Ajmer DISCOM, as the implementing agency for the Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar program. This program by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to offer solar plants at affordable prices at residential properties.
A separate cell has been constituted for this in all the three distribution companies Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam (JVVNL), Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam (JdVVNL), and AVVNL.
Under the name of Renewable Energy and Demand Supply Management, this cell will have technical and finance officers under the chief engineer. They will be responsible for connecting more and more people with rooftop solar, passing on the benefits of subsidy to the consumers.
On the other hand, the rate of rooftop solar subsidy has also been finalized. AVVNL disclosed the lowest bids for 55 MW of rooftop solar projects under the capital expenditure model for three DISCOMs in Rajasthan. With this people will be able to get subsidized solar plant facilities.
1kW solar plant installation at just ₹43,500
The lowest bid for installing solar systems was claimed by Jaipur DISCOM at just ₹43,500/kW for up to 3kW units, for 3kW to 10 kW the cost was set at ₹40,991/kW. Similarly, for 10kW to 100 kW, the price was adjusted to ₹36,000/kW, and for 100kW to 500 kW, the cost was set at ₹35,000/kW.
“A separate cell has been formed to increase the scope of rooftop solar plants and to have well-planned coordination. This team will look after the work related to solar in discoms. The government also intends to increase the production of renewable energy,” said Bhaskar A. Sawant, Principal Secretary of the Government Energy Department.
Solar subsidy scheme
Under this flagship programme of the government, vendors will also be required to make all the necessary arrangements for evacuation and injection of surplus power to the grid. Notably, the three DISCOMS included in the scheme will execute rooftop solar projects in their operational areas through the empanelled vendors under the newly announced tender prices.
Furthermore, in order to ensure a good number of applications, and to attract more people to adopt solar power as the primary source of energy, the MNRE will also provide central financial assistance up to 40% for rooftop solar systems up to 3 kW capacity. For rooftop systems of capacity above 3 kW, CFA up to 20% will be applicable.
These work will be done for Solar
- To provide subsidies to the electricity consumers who install rooftop solar.
- Linking DISCOMs portal with Central Government Portal and regularly monitoring them.
- Preparation of technical feasibility report of the application to be uploaded on the portal so that the rooftop is installed in the consumer’s building at the earliest.
- Will report after studying the facilities being given in other states.
- Regular monitoring of power demand and supply.
As we already know, solar energy doesn’t require an outside supply to work, so its energy production costs are practically zero. However, the only cost associated with the use of solar energy is the manufacture, installation and maintenance of the components. This initially requires a large investment, but in the long run, the minimal cost associated with its use offers quick cost recovery.