Solar power scheme for high- rise flats approved

■ Decision taken in Cabinet meet chaired by CM

In its meeting chaired by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi Cabinet approved the Mukhyamantri Solar Power Scheme for the rooftops of domestic consumers of group housing societies.

Under the Renewable Energy Service Company ( RESCO) model, domestic consumers will not have to spend any money for the installation of solar panels. It will be done by the selected service providers. As the government will provide a subsidy of ` 2 per unit, the cost of electricity generated by solar energy will be ` 1 per unit for the consumers. The scheme will enable a tripartite agreement between the concerned group housing society, the service provider ( company), and the Delhi government.

“The cost of solar power ( electricity) for the group housing society will be ` 1 per unit since Delhi government will provide a subsidy of ` 2 per unit. ( The estimated cost of solar power initially is likely to be Rs 3 per unit). The cost of solar power will finally depend on the space provided by them for the installation of solar panels. In case societies provide more space for solar panels than their requirement, they will benefit in return in terms of further reduction in the price of solar power,” a Delhi government statement said. Approximately 100 MW of solar power has been installed in Delhi till date, which is mostly in the government buildings. In domestic sectors, it is around 5 MW.

“The reason for less utilisation is due to poor response for solar adoption by domestic sector consumers. The government feels that since solar power is in its initial phases in the domestic sector, there is a need to extend generation based incentive ( GBI) and a course correction in view of new tariff regime,” it added. The Cabinet has also approved the revenue department’s proposal for amendment in the scheme for grant of ex- gratia payment to war widows, war disabled, prisoners of war, missing person in war/ operation, Delhi police personnel, home guards, etc.

As the Delhi government will provide a subsidy of 2 per unit, the cost of electricity generated by solar energy will be 1 per unit for the consumers