Question : Operational Risks to Solar Power Plants

(a): whether the installed solar power plants across the country have any operational risks or other problems and if so, the details thereof;

(b): whether dust is a problem in some places which negatively affects the output and increases the operational costs of the solar power plants and if so, the details thereof; and

(c): whether the Government has sanctioned Rs.5,000 crore to provide a 30 per cent capital subsidy for rooftop solar installations and if so, the details thereof along with the funds provided for the said purpose, State-wise?

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


(a): No Madam. Solar power plants have very low operational and maintenance (O&M) requirements.
(b): Periodic cleaning of solar modules is a requirement to maximise the power generation. In places of more dust, cleaning of modules is carried out more frequently.
(c): The Government has allocated Rs. 5000 Crore for Grid Connected Rooftop and Small Solar Power Plants programme, wherein financial support upto 30% of the benchmark cost in general category States/UTs and upto 70% of the benchmark cost in special category States/UTs is provided for installation of Grid Connected rooftop solar plants in residential, social and institutional sectors. For Government sector projects, achievement linked incentives upto 25% of the benchmark cost in general category States/UTs and upto 60% of the benchmark cost in special category States/UTs are provided. Subsidy is not given for private establishments in industrial and commercial sectors. The duration of the programme is upto year 2019-20. No State-wise budget allocation is made.
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