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MNRE Benchmark Price for Solar

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MNRE Benchmark Solar Cost 2018-19

Benchmark cost in literal term means the price of a commodity that is accepted at the marketplace and set by the country or producers’ organization.

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy in India sets the benchmark cost of solar products from time to time, given that the cost is rapidly plummeting. The benchmark cost of solar is also falling worldwide. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), solar costs have declined by more than 70% since 2010 and will further fall by 40% by 2020.

India has set a record target of 100 GW of solar installations by 2022 and its expectation is boosted by falling cost and improving efficiencies. Solar is gradually becoming mainstream and is also cheap than conventional power at fewer places. The benchmark cost set by MNRE for applications like rooftop solar, solar lights, solar powered hand pumps in India are summarized in the table below. The MNRE benchmark cost 2018-19 is compared with MNRE benchmark cost 2017-18. Please note how these costs have declined in just one year’s time.

Also, read All you wanted to know about Solar Subsidies in India 

MNRE Benchmark Cost 2018-19 vs 2017-18

The benchmark costs for off-grid solar PV systems and grid-connected rooftop solar power plants for the year 2018-19 and 2017-18.

i) Grid-connected Rooftop Solar
Benchmark Cost (in INR/ Wp)
Capacity 2018-19 2017-18 % Decline
1 kW – 10 kW 60 70 14.3
10kW – 100 kW 55 65 15.4
100 kW – 500 kW 53 60 11.7

Also, read What returns can I get from a Rooftop Solar System

 

ii) Solar Pumps
Benchmark Cost (in INR/ Hp)  
Capacity 2018-19 2017-18 % Decline
Upto 3 Hp (DC)                                                85,000             1,20,000   29
> 3 Hp – 5 Hp (DC)                                                77,000                 95,000   19
Upto 3 Hp (AC)                                                80,000             1,00,000   20
> 3 Hp – 5 Hp (AC)                                                65,000                 85,000   24

 

 iii) Solar Lights Benchmark Cost (in INR/ Wp)
 Types                     2018-19 2017-18 % Decline
  • Solar Lamps
                                                                       250                            340       26
  • Solar Street Lights
 — with lead acid battery                                                                         300                           340       12
— with li-ion battery                       435      475         8

 

The benchmark cost in North Eastern States/Hill States/ Island UTs is a little higher than the general cost announced. The decline in prices indicates that solar is not only environment-friendly but is also becoming economical with each passing year.

PG

Sneha Shah

I am Sneha, the Editor-in-chief for the Blog. We would be glad to receive suggestions, inputs & comments on GWI from you guys to keep it going! You can contact me for consultancy/trade inquires by writing an email to greensneha@yahoo.in

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