Schemes for Solar Power Plants
The Government has declared no specific Solar Energy Policy for solar power plants. However, the Government has launched many schemes to promote solar energy.
- Solar Park Scheme for setting up of over 50 Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects targeting over 40,000 MW of solar power projects.
- Scheme for setting up 1000 MW of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects by the Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and the Government of India organisations with Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
- Scheme for setting up 300 MW of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects by Defence Establishments and Para Military Forces with VGF.
- Pilot-cum-demonstration projects for development of grid connected solar PV power plants on canal banks and canal tops.
- Bundling Scheme - 15000 MW grid-connected solar PV power plants through NTPC Ltd./ NVVN.
- VGF Scheme for setting up of 2000 MW of Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects through SECI.
- VGF Scheme for setting up of 5000 MW of Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects through SECI.
- Installation of Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Power Plants.
- Off-Grid Solar PV Scheme.
- Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM)
For domestic residence, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) is implementing a "Grid Connected Rooftop and Small Solar Power Plants Programme", wherein, Central Financial Assistance (CFA) is provided for installation of grid connected rooftop solar photovoltaic power plants in residential, institutional and social sectors. The CFA is upto 30% of the cost arrived through tender process or the benchmark cost prescribed by MNRE, whichever is less, in case of general category States/UTs.
The government has launched a new scheme for farmers on 8 March, 2019, which provides for:
- installation of total 10000 MW capacity grid-connected renewable power plants each of capacity up to 2 MW in the rural area
- installation of 17.5 lakh standalone off-grid solar water pumps to fulfil irrigation needs of farmers not connected to grid
- solarization of 10 lakh existing grid-connected agriculture pumps to make farmers independent of grid supply and also sell surplus solar power generated to Discom and get extra income
This will lead to increased availability and reliability of power in the rural area including for irrigation needs and thus leading to higher food production. The scheme would be implemented by agencies designated by respective States/UTs.