Delhi government’s "rooftop solar power" project for housing societies may soon become a reality. Officials of Delhi government's power department said the planning phase for the project had been completed.
RK Shrivastava, executive officer with the power department, told City Spidey that the solar policy was drawn up considering all sections of society. Installing the solar plant on rooftops would enable societies to generate their own power.
“The project was approved by the Delhi Cabinet in June this year and the file was sent to the Lieutenant Governor's office for approval," said Shrivastava. "Once the LG's office approves it, we will organise a meeting with RWAs, societies, groups, individuals and entrepreneurs to spread the word. We hope to make major headway by November.”
Shrivastava said the policy promoted net metering for all solar plants above 1 kW capacity, based on regulations issued by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission. Hence, the rooftop solar-power system will not only make societies self-reliant but also turn out to be a source of income if power generated is more than their actual consumption.
“The government has decided to provide a generation-based incentive of Rs 2 per unit from its actual rate to promote the project,” said Shrivastava. "It has also been decided that a 30 per cent subsidy will be provided by the government. After availing the subsidy, a 10 kW solar-power plant will cost Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000."
About a week ago, City Spidey had reported that OCS Apartments, a group housing society in Mayur Vihar Phase 1 Extension, had opted to set up the system on their rooftop. Taking a cue from the article, several residents from neighbouring societies such as Kirti Apartments and United India Apartments started getting in touch with us for more information about the government policy.
A screenshot of a message sent by SK Tuteja, secretary of Kirti Apartments managing committee, to City Spidey
Ergo, here's how you can go about getting the rooftop solar-power panels set up:
Societies have to approach the power department, on the 8th floor of the Delhi Secretariat. Those interested can also approach power department officials through the following numbers: 011-23273455 and 2339235. They can also visit the official Delhi government website (www.delhi.gov.in) for more details.
