Rooftop Solar Scheme

Why in News?

 

Recently, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy ( MNRE's) is implementing Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase-II).  

• The scheme is being implemented in the states by local Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOMs). 

Aim: The aim of the scheme is to achieve the final capacity of 40,000 MW from Rooftop Solar Projects by 2022. 

Key Points: 

• Under this scheme Ministry is providing 40% subsidy for the first 3 kW and 20% subsidy beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW. 
• For setting up rooftop solar plants, there is no vendor has been authorized by the Ministry.  
• This scheme is being implemented in the state only by DISCOMs.  
• The DISCOMs have empaneled vendors through bidding process and have decided rates for setting up a rooftop solar plant. 
• Almost all the DISCOMs have issued online process for this purpose. 
• Residential consumers willing to set-up a rooftop solar plant under MNRE scheme can apply online and get rooftop solar plants installed by listed vendors.  
• For this, they have to pay the cost of rooftop solar plant by reducing the subsidy amount given by the Ministry as per the prescribed rate to the vendor.  
• The subsidy amount will be provided to the vendors by the Ministry through the DISCOMs.  
• Domestic consumers are informed that to get subsidy under the scheme of the Ministry, they should install rooftop solar plants only from the empanelled vendors of the DISCOMs following due process of approval by DISCOMs. 
• The solar panels and other equipment to be installed by the empanelled vendors shall be as per the standard and specifications of the Ministry and also includes 5-year maintenance of the rooftop solar plant by the vendor. 
• It has also been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some vendors are charging more price than the rates decided by DISCOMs from domestic consumers, which is incorrect.  
• Consumers are advised to pay only according to the rates decided by DISCOMs. The DISCOMs have been instructed to identify and punish such vendors. 

 Also Read: Solar Energy in India

What is the Rooftop Solar System? 

• Rooftop solar is a photo voltaic(PV) solar system.  
• Its electricity-generating solar panels mounted on the rooftop of a residential or commercial building or structure. 
• There are several components such as photovoltaic modules, mounting systems, cables, solar inverters and other electrical accessories.  
• Rooftop mounted systems are small compared to ground-mounted photo voltaic power stations with capacities in the megawatt range.  
• Rooftop PV systems on residential buildings typically feature a capacity of about 5 to 20 kilowatts (kW), while those mounted on commercial buildings often reach 100 kilowatts or more. 
• Installing Rooftop Solar PV helps to reduce the electricity bill and results in saving.  
• The Solar grid will be saving on energy costs and also benefits environment. 
• Rooftop solar is also a great investment tool as electricity prices keep on fluctuating from time to time. So, it is difficult to calculate the expenditure on electricity for a certain period of time.   

Also Read: International Solar Alliance (ISA)

For more information, contact the concerned DISCOM or dial MNRE's toll free number 1800-180-3333. 

 

Source: PIB