Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government has officially rolled out the Delhi Solar Policy, 2023, aimed at changing the energy landscape of the capital. The policy, announced by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on January 29, introduces a slew of measures to incentivize the installation of rooftop solar panels, promising to slash electricity bills for consumers and mitigate environmental pollution.
Subsidies for Solar Installations: Making Solar Power Affordable
The policy is designed to make solar installations financially accessible to residents. Under this scheme, the government will provide a subsidy of Rs 2,000 per kilowatt (KW) of the total cost of the solar system. To put this into perspective, a standard 2KW solar installation, typically priced around Rs 90,000, would effectively cost only Rs 86,000 after factoring in the subsidy. The subsidy has been capped at a maximum of Rs 10,000 per consumer, ensuring equitable distribution of benefits across the populace.
Generation-Based Incentives: Empowering Consumers to Earn from Solar Energy
In addition to the installation subsidies, consumers will also reap the rewards of generation-based incentives, further bolstering the attractiveness of solar energy adoption. Through this mechanism, individuals will receive financial compensation ranging from Rs 1 to Rs 3 for every unit of solar energy they generate. This not only serves as a lucrative source of additional income but also translates into tangible reductions in consumers' electricity bills.
Zero Bills for High Consumption Users
Under the new policy, consumers with a monthly usage exceeding 400 units will now have the opportunity to eliminate their electricity bills through rooftop solar installations. Previously, such consumers were ineligible for subsidies, but with the implementation of the Delhi Solar Policy, they can now harness solar power to achieve zero bills.
Government's Commitment and Financial Allocations
The Delhi government has allocated a budget of Rs 570 crores towards the execution of the policy, emphasizing its commitment to sustainable energy initiatives. The policy includes provisions for generation-based incentives for solar panel installers, potentially allowing additional earnings of up to Rs 900 per month. Moreover, the expenses incurred for installing solar panels are projected to be recovered within four years, making the transition to solar energy financially viable for consumers.
Driving Towards Solar Dominance
Power Minister Atishi Marlena, while highlighting the broader vision behind the policy, emphasized the government's ambitious goal of sourcing 50 percent of Delhi's total electricity from solar energy by 2027. This underscores the administration's determination to not only alleviate the financial burden on citizens but also combat pollution by transitioning to renewable energy sources.
The policy also introduces several mechanisms to facilitate the adoption of solar energy, including a generation-based incentive system and the provision of capital subsidies for residential consumers. Furthermore, the implementation of 'Net Metering' ensures that consumers can offset their electricity consumption with the solar power generated, leading to reduced bills and potential additional income from excess solar power.
Moreover, the creation of a dedicated solar portal will serve as a comprehensive resource for information on the Delhi Solar Policy, streamlining access for consumers and stakeholders alike.
