Subsidy increased for rooftop solar plants

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 29

The Government of India has notified a new subsidy scheme for rooftop solar plants wherein the subsidy amount has been raised from 30 per cent to 40 per cent for rooftop solar plants up to 3 kWp capacity. The subsidy amount has been fixed at 20 per cent for 4 kWp to 10 kWp solar plants.

This was announced by Arun Kumar Gupta, Home Secretary-cum-Principal Secretary (Science & Technology & Renewable Energy), UT, while addressing stakeholders for popularising rooftop solar power here today. The stakeholders like Chandigarh Residents Association Welfare Federation (CRAWFED), Federation of Sector Welfare Associations (FOSWAC), Chandigarh Beopar Mandal, Hotels and Restaurant Associations, Industries Association of Chandigarh and Chamber of Chandigarh Industries were present in the meeting. Officers from CREST, Chandigarh, and the Electricity Department were also there.

At the outset, Debendra Dalai, Director Science and Technology and Renewable Energy, & CEO, CREST, UT, highlighted the purpose of the meeting. He outlined the vision of the UT Administration to make it a model solar city.

Gupta urged all stakeholders to come forward to avail of the benefit of the scheme.

He said 30 MW solar power installation had already been done in the city. The cost benefit analysis of availing of the scheme was also presented wherein it was informed to the gathering that the payback period for the rooftop solar power system is approximately 6 years.

Leaders of associations highlighted the challenges being faced especially by commercial/industrial establishments. They further requested to extend the deadline for the mandatory installation of rooftop solar power system, which is ending on September 30.