Chennai: The grid tied domestic rooftop solar photovoltaic scheme, promoted by the TN Energy Development Agency (TEDA), has gathered momentum as it received 2,140 applications from consumers seeking its installation.
According to a Teda official, about 240 solar systems have been installed by vendors in the state under the CM’s solar rooftop capital incentive scheme. “We are hoping to receive more applications from consumers in the coming days,” the official said.
Mr Subramanian of Green Pearl Solar Systems, one of the enlisted Teda vendors, said that there was a good demand for installation of rooftop solar panels with net metering facility. “We have installed nearly 40 solar systems in homes. After reduction in subsidy, a one kw solar system will cost about Rs 50,000, including cost of net meters supplied by Tangedco,” he added.
Those living in the city preferred solar systems without battery backup as there was no load shedding, but in other districts, people were looking for a battery-supported system. The battery has to be replaced every two or three years, which amounts to a recurring expenditure, he noted.
Another enlisted vendor of Teda said that inordinate delay by the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) in releasing subsidy for the rooftop photovoltaic system had slowed down implementation of the scheme. “We have installed solar systems on consumer rooftops after collecting only the amount, reducing the state and Central government subsidies,” he said adding that though the state government had released its subsidy of Rs 20,000, the MNRE’s share was yet to be released.
A senior Teda official said there was delay in releasing subsidy by the Union ministry for the past two years. But in the last two months, they started releasing the subsidy amount. But the official said the delay in installation was due to less availability of locally manufactured inverters.
