SECI has reduced the levellised ceiling tariff for 500 MW of rooftop solar capacity to Rs 5.97 per kWh for general category states and union territories, and Rs 4.42 per kWh for special category states and union territories. The new benchmark tariff is lower than the previous benchmark by Rs 1.03 per kWh in general category states and union territories, and by Re 0.40 per kWh in special category states and union territories.
The Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency is establishing a power distribution network for street lighting through solar microgrids established at various locations in Bemetara, Dantewada and Bijapur districts. So far, 19 remote villages have been approved where solar microgrids can be installed.
In a bid to attract more consumers for setting up rooftop solar plants, the Gujarat government has announced an amendment to its rooftop solar system policy that was released in August 2015. The state has decided to remove the condition that a solar plant’s capacity should be within 50 per cent of the sanctioned load. It is offering a subsidy of Rs 10,000 for 1 kW and Rs 20,000 for 2 kW or bigger solar projects. Apart from the state subsidy, consumers can avail of a 30 per cent subsidy on the cost of installation from the MNRE.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has exempted customs and excise duty on materials and equipment used for grid-connected rooftop solar projects. Projects with minimum capacity of 100 kWp can avail of the benefit. In case of bundled projects, the contractor will need to apply for an exemption certificate on behalf of the end-user.