(a) whether the Government has conducted a comprehensive assessment of solar energy in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether solar energy is very expensive in the country and States are also reluctant to buy expensive clean energy;
(d) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(e) the corrective measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL & NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a)&(b): National Institute of Solar Energy, an autonomous institution of the Ministry has estimated 748.98 Gigawatt (GWp) solar power potential in the country. The State-wise estimated solar power potential is given in Annexure.
(c)&(d): The cost of solar energy has come down during the last five years in the country. The levelised tariff for solar power has declined from Rs. 18.44 per kWh during 2009-10 to around Rs. 6.0 to 7.0 per kWh during 2014-15. States are coming forward to buy solar electricity as per provision of Renewable Purchase Obligations in the National Tariff Policy.
(e): The measures taken by the Government to promote the power from the solar energy are:
i. Provision of Concessional Import duty/Excise duty exemption for setting up of solar power plants, accelerated depreciation and tax holiday.
ii. Generation based incentive, viability gap funding and facility for bundled power for Grid Connected Solar Power Projects through various interventions announced from time to time.
iii. Subsidy for off-grid solar applications.
(iv). Provision for Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) for solar power in the National Tariff Policy.