Rooftop Solar Scheme | UPSC
HEADLINES:
Advisory On Rooftop Solar Scheme
WHY IN NEWS:
Hot from PIB !
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3: Scheme
ISSUE:
CLARIFICATION
- It is clarified that no vendor has been authorized by the Ministry.
- This scheme is being implemented in the state only by DISCOMs.
ROOFTOP SOLAR SCHEME (PHASE-II)
OVERVIEW
- The National Solar Mission has set a target of 1,00,000 MW power generation through solar energy in the country.
- This includes 40,000 MW to be contributed through solar rooftops in various sectors.
- Installation of Rooftop Solar Plants on a large scale is one of the best initiatives, as in such plants, there is no requirement of land.
- Therefore, with a view of promoting large-scale rooftop solar systems on private residential roofs-terraces, the Government has introduced a subsidy scheme for solar rooftops in the residential sector.
AIM
- To generate solar power by installing solar panels on the roof of the houses, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India is implementing Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase-II).
IMPLEMENTATION
- The scheme is being implemented in the states by local Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOMs).
- Almost all the DISCOMs have issued online process for this purpose.
- Residential consumers willing to set-up a rooftop solar plant under MNRE scheme can apply online and get rooftop solar plants installed by listed vendors.
- For this, they have to pay the cost of rooftop solar plant by reducing the subsidy amount given by the Ministry as per the prescribed rate to the vendor.
- The process of which is given on the online portal of the DISCOMs.
SUBSIDY
- The subsidy amount will be provided to the vendors by the Ministry through the DISCOMs.
- Domestic consumers are informed that to get subsidy under the scheme of the Ministry, they should install rooftop solar plants only from the empanelled vendors of the DISCOMs .
- The solar panels and other equipment to be installed by the empanelled vendors shall be as per the standard.
ELIGIBILITY
- The solar system is installed within the premises of the service connection, either on the roof or on the ground.
- The solar system is of the ownership of the consumer.
- The premises of the solar installation is of the ownership of the consumer of the DISCOM or is in the legal possession of the consumer.
- Solar cells and solar modules deployed in the solar rooftop system shall be manufactured in India.
- Only new plant and machinery shall be allowed for installation and shall not be shifted anywhere else.
BENEFICIARIES
- This subsidy is applicable for household, industrial, and social sector i.e. for hospitals, educational institutions etc.
- Also commercial sector can take benefits of this scheme.
- For this central government give budget of Rs. 600 crore to Rs. 5,000 crore over a period of 5 years up to 2019-20 under National Solar Mission (NSM) in Phase I.
- The implementation of the scheme also assists towards defensive the weather as a result of abatement of concerning 60 million tons of carbon dioxide per year.
IASbhai WINDUP:
- It has also been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some vendors are charging more price than the rates decided by DISCOMs from domestic consumers, which is incorrect.
- The DISCOMs have been instructed to identify and punish such vendors.
- For more information, contact the concerned DISCOM or dial MNRE’s toll free number 1800-180-3333.
- Click on to know the online portal of your DISCOM.
SOURCES: PIB | Rooftop Solar Scheme | UPSC

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