Rooftop solar programme

Subject – Environment

Context – Rooftop solar programme norms eased

Concept –

Changes introduced –

MNRE said that now it is not necessary for a household to get the RTS installed by any of the listed vendors of a State Discom. The households can also install the equipment on their own and inform the Discom along with a photograph of the system.
- The Discom will then have to ensure that net metering is provided within 15 days.
- The government said that individual households can now opt for a vendor of their choice.
The subsidy amount for purchasing the equipment will be credited directly into their bank accounts, within 30 days of installation.

About the scheme –

Implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Presently under implementation is the Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase II), it aims to achieve a cumulative capacity of 40,000 MW from Rooftop Solar Projects by the year 2022.
This scheme is being implemented in the state by distribution companies (DISCOMs).

The major objective of the programme includes –

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 the individuals.
To create an enabling environment for the supply of solar power from rooftop and small plants to the grid.