Question : Solar Roof Top Panels

(a) whether the Government proposes to formulate a comprehensive policy for promotion and setting up of solar roof top panels in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the time-frame by which a comprehensive policy would be formulated;

(c) whether the Government is aware of the various problems faced by the vendors and consumers of the solar roof top segment viz. net meter related problems etc. and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government proposes to put in place a regulatory frame-work to address the issues/problems faced by the sector/segment and if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether representations in this regard have been received from the solar power sector players; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the action taken/proposed to be taken to address such issues?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (I/C) FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SHRI R. K. SINGH)

(a) and (b) The Government has approved Phase II of the Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme in February 2019, which provides central financial assistance (CFA) upto 40% of the benchmark cost for installation of rooftop solar plants (RTS) upto 3kW capacity and at 20% of benchmark cost for plant capacity from 3kWp to 10 kWp for residential sector consumers only. The programme also provides CFA upto 20 % of benchmark cost for Group Housing Societies/Resident welfare Associations (GHS/RWA), for supply of power to common facilities. The CFA can be availed through Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) supplying power to the individual residence/GHS/RWA.
Incentives for the DISCOMs for achievement of additional capacity above baseline has also been provided for.

(c) to (f) The regulatory frameworks for such plants are notified by the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions/ Joint Electricity Regulatory Commissions of the respective States/UTs. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has requested the concerned State Governments/UTs to take appropriate action on various issues/ problems reported to be faced by solar power sectors players including issues related to net-metering e.g. minimum/maximum capacity of RTS allowed in terms of size, percentage of electrical connected load of the beneficiary, category of beneficiary distribution transformer etc. on regular basis i.e. through letters, review meetings etc.
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