The solar rooftop power generation scheme of the state government is fast gaining popularity among citizens, especially in towns of Saurashtra and Central Gujarat.
Gujarat: Solar rooftop power generation scheme gains popularity
The solar rooftop power generation scheme of the state government is fast gaining popularity among citizens, especially in towns of Saurashtra and Central Gujarat.
The Gujarat government had floated the scheme in July this year and the power distribution companies (discoms), both state-run and private, started marketing it aggressively since last one month.
According to data from the state government, public sector discoms Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL) and Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Limited (MGVCL) have received the highest number of applications from households.
While MGVCL that supplies power in central Gujarat districts topped the table with 11,681 applications against annual target of 38,000; PGVCL got 11,591 applications against target of 57,000.
The scheme provides subsidy for the installation of solar power generation system on rooftops. The electricity generated will be consumed by the house owner and surplus electricity can be sold to the power discoms at rate of Rs 2.25 per unit.
Managing director of PGVCL, Shweta Teotia told TOI: “We have got highest target among all the discoms and we are getting very good response from the citizens. Urban consumers are taking more interest in the scheme.”
According to PGVCL officials, an average household requires 3 KW (kilowatt) power for its daily requirements.
Rajesh Joshi, chairman of Federation of Solar Manufacturers and Intermediaries said, “People have become more aware about the benefits of solar power. Also, since they don’t have to pay power bills, they are able to recover installation cost in 2-3 years. Further, they earn an additional income with the surplus power generated.”
Under the scheme, consumer who installs solar power generation system up to 3KW gets 40% subsidy and those installing system with capacity of 3KW to 10KW get 20% subsidy. According to PGVCL cost installing 1KW system is Rs 46,800, which reduces as the capacity increases. For example, for a 5KW system installation cost will come to Rs 45,030 per KW.
Energy world