Solar power developers show interest after tariff revision

Chennai: Days after the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) fixed the tariff for solar power, the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) has received proposals from solar power developers to set up solar projects to a quantum of over 300 MW. The commission has announced a tariff of Rs 7.01 per unit for a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant and Rs 11.03 per unit for solar thermal projects. If the solar power developers availed of accelerated depreciation benefits, the tariff for the solar PV plant will be Rs 6.28 per unit and Rs 9.88 per unit for thermal projects.

“We are receiving more enquiries from the solar power generators (SPGs) ever since the commission fixed the tariff for solar power. Till Friday, we have received offer letters from a few SPGs, proposing to set up about 300 MW plants in the state,” said a senior Tangedco official while refusing to divulge names of the companies which offered to set up the plants. The official said since the tariff fixed by the commission was a competitive one, they were expecting good numbers of solar developers coming forward to set up their units. “We are working on guidelines to be followed for setting up solar power projects in the state. Once it is done, granting approval for the projects will be streamlined,” sources said.