Context: Recently the Union Power & NRE Minister announced that 3377 MW capacity has been allocated to States under the ROOFTOP SOLAR SCHEME.
About ROOFTOP SOLAR SCHEME:-
- It is under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- The ministry has announced Phase II of the scheme.
Objectives:-
- To generate solar power through the installation of solar panels on the roof of houses.
- To achieve the final capacity of 40,000 MW from Rooftop Solar Projects by 2022.
- To promote the grid-connected SPV rooftop and small SPV power generating plants among the residential, community, institutional, industrial, and commercial establishments.
- To mitigate the dependence on fossil fuel-based electricity generation and encourage environment-friendly Solar electricity generation.
- To create an enabling environment for investment in the solar energy sector by the private sector, state government, and individuals.
Implementation: This scheme is being implemented in the state by distribution companies (DISCOMs).
Benefits: Under this scheme, the Ministry is providing a 40% subsidy for the first 3 kW and a 20% subsidy beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW of solar panel capacity.
Under Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II:-
- A Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of up to 40% of the benchmark cost is provided for the installation of Rooftop Solar (RTS) projects upto 3 kW capacity and 20% for capacity beyond 3 kW and upto 10 kW for individual households in the residential sector.
- For Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RWA), CFA is limited to 20% of the benchmark cost for installation of an RTS plant of capacity up to 500 kW for the supply of power to common facilities.
