(a) the production cost for solar energy for M.W. in the country as on date;
(b) whether the essential plants and equipments for solar energy production are indigenous;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) if not, the total amount spent in importing such essential equipments during the last three years;
(e) the names of the companies from where these are imported; and
(f) the steps taken by the Government to promote solar energy in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI VILAS MUTTEMWAR)
(a): Solar energy can be harnessed through two routes, namely solar photovoltaic and solar thermal, by direct conversion to electricity and heat energy respectively. Use of solar energy to generate electricity at mega-watt level has not been done in the country so far. Further, power generation from solar thermal energy is still in the experimental stages in the country. However, the estimated unit cost of generation of electricity from solar photovoltaic and solar thermal route is in the range of Rs. 12 -20 per kWh and Rs. 10 - 15 per kWh respectively.
(b), (c), (d) & (e) An industrial base has been created in the country to indigenously manufacture solar cell modules, which are the most essential items required for the production of solar photovoltaic systems/applications. Imports are also being made from different companies mainly from USA, Europe, and Russia etc. to meet the domestic as well as export requirements. Since solar cell modules are covered under open general license, no data on imports is maintained by the Ministry.
(f): The Ministry has been implementing comprehensive programmes for the development and utilization of solar energy in the country. As a result of the efforts made so far, a number of devices and systems have been developed in the country. These include solar water heaters, solar cookers, solar lanterns, solar home and street lights, pumps, small power packs and photovoltaic systems for battery charging applications etc.
In addition, to popularise generation and development of solar energy in the country a number of incentives like subsidy, soft loan, 80% accelerated depreciation, concessional duty on import of raw materials and certain products, Excise duty exemption on certain devices/systems have been provided by the Government.