Delhi Government Subsidy for Rooftop Solar Panels
The Delhi government announced subsidy for households installing rooftop solar panels. This initiative aims to promote clean and affordable energy in the national capital. The government seeks to install solar panels in 2,30,000 households over the next three years.
Subsidy Details
The subsidy comprises two components. The central government provides Rs 78,000 for each 3 kW solar panel installation. The Delhi government adds a further Rs 30,000, bringing the total subsidy to Rs 1,08,000. This initiative is part of the Free Electricity Scheme. The previous subsidy was between Rs 2,000 and Rs 10,000 per kW but is now standardised at Rs 10,000 per kW.
Budget Allocation
The total budget for this scheme is Rs 50 crore. This amount is meant for 2,30,000 installations, which translates to approximately Rs 2,174 per unit. Experts express concern that this budget is insufficient to meet the promises of financial support. The allocated funds may lead to a financial shortfall, raising questions about the feasibility of the initiative.
Projected Savings
The Delhi government claims that households can save around Rs 4,200 per month on their electricity bills. However, experts like Binit Das from the Centre for Science and Environment argue that this claim lacks solid data. The potential savings may be overstated, necessitating further analysis to validate these figures.
Implementation Challenges
Experts warn of challenges in implementing the subsidy scheme. Achieving the ambitious target of 2.3 lakh installations requires a robust supply chain and a trained workforce. Without these essential elements, meeting the installation goal will be difficult.
Financial Partnerships
To enhance the effectiveness of the scheme, the Delhi government plans to partner with financial institutions. This collaboration aims to provide consumers with accessible loan options, allowing them to adopt solar energy without a heavy upfront investment. The government’s commitment to facilitating solar adoption is a key aspect of this initiative.
Policy Amendments
The announcement follows amendments to the Delhi Solar Policy 2023. Domestic consumers can now avail subsidies of up to Rs 30,000 per month. This policy change is expected to lower dependence on the power grid and promote renewable energy adoption.
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