Gujarat Solar Policy 2015

The 2009 solar policy of Gujarat entailed installations of upto 1 GW with a total investment of INR 9000 crore. It is believed that the state alone has the appetite to install 10 GW of solar power. Hence the state’s new solar policy is out which will further encourage more solar power installation. The highlights of New Gujarat Solar Policy 2015:

i) The new policy is aimed at boosting more solar installations by providing various project based incentives. The state will provide net metering facility to rooftop installations for residential, commercial, government and industrial setups. You can read the details and other requirements here.

ii) The new policy will also facilitate the usage of solar power in agriculture. In fact it will be the first state to announce an Agro-Solar policy. Companies like Gujrat Power Corporation Limited and Gujarat State Electricity Corporation will install the solar panels on the fields. The farmers will use the power generated from the panels and can sell the extra power, for which he will be paid 30-40% of the profit earned by the sale of surplus electricity. It will also provide agricultural solar pumps through subsidy support to farmers.

iii) Under the policy, solar power generators (SPGs), which will be installed and commissioned till 2020 shall become eligible for incentives for a period of 25 years from their date of commissioning.

iv) The new policy also talks about stand-alone solar and solar home lighting systems in remote areas, where grid connection is not feasible.

v) Other schemes for promoting canal top solar systems and solar cooking & water heating systems are also included.

In its bid to promote solar energy the state government of Gujarat will welcome all new and innovative technology demonstration projects. The new policy will promote different forms of solar energy like roof-top solar power, solar-powered pumps and solar systems for domestic use.