Rooftop solar power plants in Andhra Pradesh reach 22 MW capacity

Rooftop solar power plants across Andhra Pradesh at present have reached 22 MW generation capacity and it is expected to increase by another 10 mw by end of the current fiscal. The State government is promoting the roof top solar plants under the ‘Power For All’ programme. After bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh has been pursuing non-conventional energy generation avenues in an aggressive manner and started encouraging rooftop solar power generation units among domestic, commercial and industrial users.

Since the programme started in 2014-15, the power generation capacity has been increased to 22 mw. “It will continue to increase in coming years. We have set ourselves a target of 10 mw increase per financial year,” K Srinivas, general manager (energy conservation, wind and solar) of NREDCAP (New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd) told Express.

According to him, though the progress looks satisfactory, there is a long way to go before being able to harness the full potential in the State. He said at the national level, the target for harnessing solar power by 2022 is 40,000 mw. “Rooftop solar power plants are definitely an advantage to the power consumers as it will not only help them produce the power to meet their daily power requirements, but also make them earn some additional income, if there is any surplus power,” he said.

The rooftop solar plants are being used by domestic consumers, institutions, hospitals, industries and other commercial entities. To encourage the rooftop solar power plants among domestic consumers, the State government through NREDCAP has been providing a subsidy of 30 per cent for the equipment. In case of government department, though there is no subsidy, incentive of 20-25 per cent will be provided based on the target achieved. However, for industrial and commercial including institutions, there is no no subsidy.

Solar power plant in Kanigiri
The State government, which is already focused on constructing solar power plants in Kurnool, Anantapur and Kadapa districts of Rayalaseema to produce a total 4000 mw power is also contemplating to have another solar park with a production capacity of 1000 mw in Kanigiri of Prakasam district. The new park is at present in conceptual stage and might take another three years before it can be grounded.

Source: newindianexpress