MNRE scheme for 100 MW solar rooftop installation on CPSUs

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched a scheme to promote the use of solar rooftop systems by Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and government organizations. The scheme was launched in 2015 with the objective of installing 1000 MW of solar PV power projects in CPSUs and government organizations. The scheme provided Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to promote the procurement of equipment from domestic manufacturers.

The target capacity of the scheme was 1000 MW of solar PV power projects. The necessary condition to avail VGF was that the solar PV power projects had to be undertaken by CPSUs and government organizations under various Central/ State Schemes/ self-use/ 3rd party sale/ merchant sale. The scheme also had a domestic content requirement, which stated that the VGF of Rs. 1 Cr/MW would be given with Cells, Modules, and Inverters of indigenous source, or VGF of Rs. 0.5 Cr/MW would be given if only Modules and Inverters were of indigenous source.

Under the scheme, a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was signed between the CPSU and the concerned State Discom. The duration of the scheme was from 2015-16 to 2017-18, and the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) was appointed to manage VGF. The VGF was released in two tranches, with 50% on successful commissioning of the plant, and the balance 50% after one year of successful operation of the plant.

The scheme had a budget of Rs. 1000 crores, and the amount was distributed over four years, as shown in the table above. The scheme was successful in promoting the use of solar rooftop systems by CPSUs and government organizations, and it helped to create a market for domestic solar equipment manufacturers. The scheme also helped in reducing carbon emissions and meeting the country’s renewable energy targets.

In conclusion, the MNRE scheme for setting up 100 MW grid-connected solar rooftop systems at CPSUs was a commendable effort by the Indian government to promote the use of solar energy. The scheme provided VGF to CPSUs and government organizations for procuring equipment from domestic manufacturers and helped to create a market for domestic solar equipment manufacturers. The scheme was successful in promoting the use of solar rooftop systems and reducing carbon emissions. The scheme’s success shows that similar initiatives can be launched in the future to promote the use of renewable energy and meet the country’s renewable energy targets.