Centre asks ULBs to revise bylaws for rooftop solar

MUMBAI, November 18: With a view to achieve its target of 40,000 MW grid connected rooftop solar capacity by 2022, the Centre has asked urban local bodies (ULBs) to introduce a clause in the bylaws making it mandatory to install rooftop solar plants on all buildings. "We have asked the urban local bodies to introduce a clause in their bylaws to ensure installation of grid connected solar rooftop projects at least on new establishments," Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Joint Secretary Tarun Kapoor told reporters on the sidelines of Intersolar Summit here today. He said the intent is to have solar rooftop projects on all buildings, but even if they are installed on new buildings we can achieve the target to some extent. "Though we have directed all the urban local bodies, we have not seen any action from them. Haryana is the only state which, under its Energy Conservation Act, has made it mandatory for new establishments to set up such plants. But the pace of implementation is very slow," he said. Under the grid connected solar rooftop program, distribution companies will have to put in place infrastructure that will allow the consumers to supply solar energy to the transmission grid from their rooftop solar panels and earn money. Kapoor, however, noted that discoms are reluctant to participate in the program as they fear losing high-end consumers as their requirements may be met with the installed capacities. Under the plan, any consumer who owns a solar energy generation unit, will be able to either supply directly to the grid or use it partially. "Discoms are somehow reluctant to participate in the program as they feel that they might lose out on high end industrial consumers if they install rooftop projects. The discoms feel that the power requirement of large industrial establishments could also come down, impacting their business," he said. Besides, net metering will also be a challenge in case of such projects, the official said.