The MNRE is implementing Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II for which the guidelines were issued in August 2019, the Union minister said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Under this Programme, 4000 MW rooftop solar (RTS) capacity addition is targeted through Central Financial Assistance (CFA) in residential sector, including for households in rural areas, the minister stated.

The minister further stated that for individual households, CFA up to 40 per cent of the benchmark cost is provided for RTS projects up to 3 kW capacity and up to 20 per cent for RTS system capacity beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW. For Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RWA), CFA is limited to 20 per cent for RTS plants for supply of power to common facilities of maximum 500 kW capacity.

Based on demand received from Distribution Utilities and other State implementing agencies, MNRE has allocated 3162 MW of RTS capacity against total 4000 MW capacity targeted under the programme in residential sector and a total of 1252 MW capacity has been reported installed as on February 28, 2022, Singh stated.

The minister also mentioned that the total solar power installed capacity in the country as on February 28, 2022 was 50.78 GW, including 6.4 GW from rooftop solar. The majority of rooftop solar installation is in urban areas. However, the bulk of total solar capacity is installed in rural areas.

For promotion and use of solar powered technologies such as rooftop solar, solarisation of agriculture pumps both diesel operated and grid connected, solar street lights, solar study lamps, solar powered livelihood applications, etc., MNRE has been implementing several schemes and programmes, he informed.

Presently, the MNRE is providing financial support through schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) and Rooftop Solar Programme Ph-II making solar power more affordable and easily accessible to rural and urban population, the minister informed. (PIB)