The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has sanctioned updated benchmarks for central financial assistance (CFA) in Phase-II of the rooftop solar programme. The modifications, as specified in the official memorandum, have been mandated by the competent authority to augment assistance for grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic systems.
The updated CFA offers distinct rates for different segments and is structured according to project capacity and classifications. For 1-3 kW capacity individual household projects, the charges are Rs 18,000 per kW in general states and Rs 20,000 per kW in special category states. While, for projects in the 3 kW to 10 kW range have adjusted rates of Rs 9,000 per kW in general and Rs 10,000 per kW in special category states. Moreover, the updated CFA is fixed at Rs 9,000 per kW for general category and Rs 10,000 per kW for special category states for resident welfare associations or group housing societies and common facilities for projects up to 500 kW.
The modifications in CFA rates are intended to streamline financial assistance according to project attributes, fostering fair distribution and backing for renewable energy endeavors. The implementing agencies including distribution companies or SIAs, among others, are required to carry out a tendering process for determining rates and vendor empanelment, in accordance with the scheme guidelines issued on August 20, 2019. In order to ensure adherence to the scheme criteria, the acceptable CFA in tender mode will be either the revised benchmark rates or 40 per cent and 20 per cent of the discovered rates for 1-3 kW and 3-10 kW systems, respectively, whichever is lower.
