(a) whether the government has made any plan to provide solar energy products in the market at cheaper rates;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken/being taken for research and development on solar energy generation in the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL & NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a)&(b): Ministry provides 30% capital subsidy for off grid solar PV products in accordance with the provision of the scheme subject to budget availability. No subsidy is provided for solar water heaters. Solar manufacturers & suppliers are encouraged to supply solar products in open market.
(c): The Ministry supports a scheme “Research, Design, Development, Demonstration (RDD&D) and Manufacture of solar energy” through which various research institutions and industry are provided financial support. Ministry provides upto 100% financial support to Government/non-profit research organisation / NGOs and upto 50% to industry / civil society organisations. At present, 25 R&D projects are under implementation.