Bengaluru, Aug 31 (PTI) The state government will accelerate rooftop solar installations on government buildings under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, officials said on Monday.
Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department, Gaurav Gupta, reviewed the progress of solarising government buildings and the scheme’s payment mechanism at a meeting with senior officials at the BESCOM Corporate Office here, officials said.
According to Gupta, the Public Works Department will survey government buildings, while the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited will implement rooftop solar projects through the public-private partnership mode.
“Priority will be given to promoting the use of renewable energy at Deputy Commissioners’ offices and other government buildings with adequate rooftop space suitable for the installation of solar panels,” he said in a statement issued by the Energy Department.
Explaining the Renewable Energy Service Company and capital expenditure models, Gupta said government departments would not have to make any upfront investment under the RESCO model, as developers would bear the entire project cost.
“The developers will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the systems, replacement of equipment and performance monitoring throughout the contract period. This will help government departments reduce their electricity expenditure and generate revenue by selling surplus power to the grid,” he said.
Gupta said that under the CAPEX model, the concerned ministry or department would fund and own the rooftop solar project, either through its own funds or loans from banks or financial institutions.
“The Engineering, Procurement, and Construction developer will be selected through a bidding process and will be responsible for construction, commissioning, and operation and maintenance for a predetermined period. At the end of this period, the system will be transferred to the concerned department,” he explained.
The electricity generated will first be used by the building, while surplus power will be supplied to the grid. The electricity distribution companies will issue monthly bills based on power drawn from the grid and provide incentives for surplus power exported from the rooftop solar system, he said.
“BESCOM and other ESCOMs will provide the necessary support for grid connectivity, metering and compliance with regulatory requirements. This will ensure the smooth integration of rooftop solar systems with the electricity grid,” said N Shivashankar, Managing Director, BESCOM.
“Our state has consistently been at the forefront of promoting renewable energy. Solarisation of government buildings will reduce our dependence on conventional power and promote renewable energy. It will also help reduce carbon emissions, improve energy sustainability and strengthen energy security,” Energy Minister K J George said. PTI AMP SSK
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