Delhi housing societies setting up rooftop solar panels will now get govt subsidy

New Delhi: The Delhi cabinet on Tuesday approved the 'Mukhyamantri Solar Power Scheme' to set up solar panels on rooftops of group housing societies in Delhi.

Under the Renewable Energy Service Co (RESCO) model, the domestic consumer will not have to spend any money on the installation of solar panels. Select service providers will do it, Cabinet Minister Satyendar Jain told the media.

"There will be a tripartite agreement between the concerned group housing society, the service provider (company) and the Delhi government," he said.

The cost of electricity generated through the solar power for the group housing society will be Rs 1 per unit.

"The Delhi government will provide a subsidy of Rs 2 per unit to the society," he said.

The initial estimated cost of solar power was likely to be Rs 3 per unit, he said, adding that it will keep increasing year-wise.

"The cost of solar power will also depend on the space provided by the society for the installation of solar panels. In case the society provide more space for solar panels than its requirement, they will get the benefit in return regarding further reduction in the price of solar power," Jain said.

The cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, also amended the scheme for grant of ex-gratia payment to security personnel of Delhi.

"The cabinet approved the proposal of the Revenue Department for amendment in the Scheme for grant of ex-gratia payment to war widows, war disabled, prisoners of war/missing person in war/operation/Delhi Police personnel/Home Guards and families of those who lose their lives in defined uniformed services during the course of duty," Revenue Minister Kailash Gahlot told the media.