The Indian government Thursday approved a scheme to install rooftop solar panels in 10 million households across the country, which will enable them to get free electricity up to 300 units per month.
This will be a major push for renewable energy in the country.
"Through this scheme, the households will be able to save electricity bills as well as earn additional income through sale of surplus power to DISCOMs (Distribution Companies)," reads an official statement.
"The proposed scheme will result in addition of 30 GW of solar capacity through rooftop solar in the residential sector, generating 1,000 BUs of electricity and resulting in reduction of 720 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions over the 25-year lifetime of rooftop systems," the statement added.
According to the government, it is estimated that the scheme will create around 1.7 million direct jobs in manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, sales, installation, O&M (Operations and Maintenance) and other services.
Under the scheme, central financial assistance (CFA) will be provided for residential rooftop solar installations.
As per the official statement, assistance of 60 percent of system cost will be given for 2 kW systems and 40 percent of the additional cost will be given for systems which have a capacity of between 2 KW and 3 kW. The CFA will be capped at 3 kW.
The scheme, announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Jan. 22, is aimed at providing solar power to households in India.
Editor:Galia
