The ambitious roof-top solar energy project of both the Central and the State governments appears to be progressing at snail’s pace, as the New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP) has not released even a single subsidy to the consumers so far in the last one year, under the APEPDCL circle.
Of the 12 applications received so far for about 89 kw, roof-top projects, no sanctions have been made so far.
This was disclosed by NREDCAP District Manager P.V. Ramaraju, at meeting convened by Member of Parliament K. Haribabu and APEPDCL, here on Monday. Bankers and solar power equipment distributors were also present.
Reviewing the progress, Mr. Haribabu expressed displeasure at the slow progress. When the NREDCAP representatives said there was some delay at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), he promised to take up the matter with the Ministry concerned.
The Centre has set a target of about 40,000 GW of solar power through the roof-top projects and AP has a target of about 2,200 GW, by 2022.
According to APEPDCL officials, the target for 2016-17 for Visakhapatnam circle is 100 MW and it has achieved about 1.5 mw, with Visakhapatnam catering to 1 mw.
Solar roof-top initiative
As per the solar roof-top initiative, NREDCAP offers a subsidy up to 50 per cent from 1 to 5 kv roof-top projects and the remaining has to be borne by the customer.
The suppliers present pointed out that support from both the banks and the NREDCAP was minimal and if the project were to gain momentum, the banks had to come forward with loans to the customers and the NREDCAP had to speed up the sanction of subsidy.
Addressing the bankers, the MP urged them to come forward to sanction loans and design products to suit solar initiatives.
The APEPDCL has so far received 392 applications for 8.7 mw and so for 73 units have been synchronised with grid for 14 mw. About 272 units for 5.7 mw are pending, said APEPDCL Director B. Seshu Kumar.
The MP also urged the APEPDCP officials to iron out the issues pertaining to net meter billing and calibration of the meters.
Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Haribabu said if 10 to 20 per cent of the Discom’s customer take up the 1kv solar roof-top project, the district will be able to generate 100 mw of solar power.
Chief General Manager (Commercial) K.S.N. Murthy and CGM (Planning) P.V. Nageswara Rao, were present.
