Gujarat state is all set to go with the challenging project of grid connected rooftop solar power units in which the residential property owners will be involved to install this new system. Gujarat Energy Development Agency first started this Solar Rooftop project to promote the renewable energy.

J T Akhani is the GEDA Director who explains that this project considered keeping in mind the residential consumers only.

“There are several residents who have already installed solar power generation units on their rooftops. However, they are off-grid, as they are not connected with the electricity meter. This project is for those residential property owners who wish to connect their power units with the electricity grid,” said Akhani.

Identification of the residential consumers for which this system has to be installed will be short listed soon in a couple of months according to him. By now about 150 residential property owners are identified who already submitted applications to GEDA for the installation of solar rooftops.

“This project of grid-connected units has been proposed in the Gujarat Solar Power Policy, announced by State government in August 2015.

“Though the rooftop project has been given a go ahead in the solar policy of 2015, the project did not gain momentum, mainly due to the cost involved in setting up such units. Thus, we have chalked out a subsidy plan to encourage people as well as channel partners to come forward,” said Akhani.

“Normally, the cost of setting up a unit having ONE-kilowatt load capacity comes around Rs 70,000. Thus, we have decided to give Rs 10,000 subsidy for commissioning a unit of 1 Kw.

“To meet our target of 50mw this year, we will engage in publicity drive to invite applications from citizens as well as channel partners. We are also planning to set up a special cell to co-ordinate between applicant, channel partner and distribution companies (DISCOMS),” said Akhani.

“Normally, the sanctioned load provided by electricity companies to a private consumer is around 6Kw. Thus, if he installs units having a 3Kw capacity, his electricity bill would be reduced by 50 per cent. Since its grid-connected, the difference will be adjusted by the DISCOMS through the net metering system,” said Akhani