Incentives for installing solar energy systems

Installation of rooftop solar energy systems is expected to get a boost as the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) will soon start implementing the Generation-Based Incentive Scheme announced in the Tamil Nadu Solar Energy Policy.

The scheme envisages installation of 50MW under it. Domestic consumers will get Rs. 2 a unit for solar energy supplied to the grid during the first two years.

An official of the Tangedco here told The Hindu that suggestions were recently sought from the local officials on installation of solar energy systems by domestic and commercial consumers and for common purpose (such as street lights). Solar connections in an area will be 30 per cent of a transformers capacity.

The consumers will have to buy two meters.

One will be installed near the solar panels to assess the energy generated.

Another one will be to assess the solar energy supplied to the grid from a house or commercial building and energy consumed from the grid.

The official said that working instructions were expected soon so that they could start implementing the scheme.

Consumers will have to bear the cost of meters and the wiring for installing these. Since the Government has announced incentive for solar energy supplied to the grid, more consumers may go in for it, the official said.

A. D. Thirumoorthy, energy consultant and a former official of the Tangedco, said that the scheme is only for those who use the solar energy generated without storing it or supply the energy generated to the grid.

The consumers should be permitted to use store the solar energy generated. Only then would it encourage installations, he said.

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Incentives for installing solar energy systems