Punjab aims to produce 100 Mw solar power

Under Net Metering Policy, solar photovoltaic power projects of capacity ranging from 1 Kw to 1 Mw can be installed

To harness solar energy in a big way, the Punjab government has notified the Net Metering Policy for installation of grid interactive rooftop solar power projects in homes, institutions, commercial/private/governmental buildings, warehouses and industries in the state.

According to Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), the state government's nodal agency for promotion of renewable energy, there is a potential to generate over 100 Mw of solar power from rooftop solar projects.

Under this policy, solar power plant will be installed on rooftops. The power generated during daytime can be used for the building during night-time and if there's an excess or no usage, it could be fed to the state power utility grid. Further, a bi-directional meter is installed in the supply line for registering of import and export of power. The bill would be issued by state power utility, Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd, after the adjustment of import and export of power.

"There is a huge potential that can be tapped by installing solar power projects on rooftops. According to rough estimates, there is potential to harness over 100 Mw from rooftop solar power projects," said a senior official of PEDA.

Under the policy, solar photovoltaic power projects of capacity ranging from 1 Kw to 1 Mw can be installed. The maximum capacity of solar power projects to be installed in a building would be 80 per cent of the sanctioned electricity load of that building.

Under the scheme, the government of India provides 30 per cent subsidy for installation of solar power plants of capacity ranging from 1 Kw to 500 Kw.

Unveiling the new policy, Punjab's non-conventional energy minister Bikram Singh Majithia said that the state was targeting to generate 250 Mw of power from solar projects. Currently, the total installed capacity in the state is 58 Mw of solar photovoltaic power and the various projects are on different stages of construction. Citing the example of Dear Beas in Punjab for setting up of world's single largest rooftop solar power project of 7.5 Mw in just eight months and their further plan to add 27.5 Mw, Majithia said that such success stories need to be publicised in a big way.

He said that Union New & Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal during his last visit to Punjab had in principle approved a 2,000-Mw solar power park and that the state government had roped in local bodies to develop these.