Cabinet approves policy to promote solar power in capital

The government prepared the policy in consultation with the Dialogue and Development Commission after consultations with local and international experts.

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“Many leaders of the Indian solar industry, discoms, consultancy organisations, banks, the DERC, NGOs, research institutions, international experts, central government departments, officials and general public participated and contributed in consultations,” said a government official.

Power Minister Satyendar Jain said solar power has the potential of lowering the state’s expenditure on energy through “peak shaving, strengthening its energy security, and reducing its reliance on unsustainable fossil fuels”.

“It will also reduce the burden on the existing transmission and distribution system. Hence, less expenditure will be required on their maintenance,” added Jain.

The highlights of the policy include mandatory deployment of solar installations on government and public institutions, introducing the concept of virtual net metering, group net metering, generation-based incentive for three years and amendment of building bylaws for rooftop solar installations.

The policy also entails tax breaks, benefits and subsidies. Solar systems up to 200 KW will be exempted from certification by an electrical inspector. “The policy promotes net metering for all solar plants above 1 KW based on the net metering regulations already issued by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission,” said a government official.