Govt invites solar developers

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India is providing the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for Solar Rooftop Systems upto 30% of the system cost for capacities upto 1KW in domestic sector and upto 100 KW for Institutions/ Commercial /Industrial consumers

For giving an impetus to develop green power in the state, particularly the solar, APTRANSCO, has invited all the solar developers, including those who have not participated in the recently concluded competitive bidding for 1000 MW, to submit their applications. The solar projects will be executed at Rs 6.49 per unit, as decided by the Group of Ministers (GoM).

Suresh Chanda, CMD, APTRANSCO, said that they have issued guidelines for prospective solar power developers to submit their applications along with non-refundable processing fee of Rs 2 lakh per location to execute the project at a fixed tariff of Rs 6.49 unit for a period of 20 years, on or before 30.09.2013.

Suresh further said that totally 109 substations were considered under this open offer. However, the solar developers will also be allowed to connect to any other substation in the state, subject to technical feasibility. The draft Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), list of substations and the detailed guidelines are being published in APTRANSCO website.

It is pertinent to note that, the state government had issued a Solar Power Policy for encouraging solar power projects under captive or third party sale. APTRANSCO and DISCOMs are in the process of issuing technical feasibility clearances commissioned under this policy. Approximately, 1200 MW have been given sanctions for grid connectivity. Further, the government has directed APTRANSCO to ensure setting up of 1000 MW solar power plants through the process of competitive bidding route.

Power utilities are fully committed for encouragement & promotion of non-renewable energy and to put all out efforts to make the state as a role model for solar power. The govt has also decided to pay 20% subsidy from the state budget for installation of rooftop systems up to 3 MW capacity in domestic sector. The state subsidy, is in addition to the eligible central subsidy.

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India is providing the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for Solar Rooftop Systems upto 30% of the system cost for capacities upto 1KW in domestic sector and upto 100 KW for Institutions/ Commercial /Industrial consumers, Suresh added.