In 3 yrs, solar power to account for 10% of Gzb’s energy needs

Ghaziabad: Solar energy is set to cover more than 10% of the city’s total electricity requirements by 2027.The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), which is developing Ghaziabad as one of the 18 solar cities of the state, recently assessed segment-wise — residential, commercial, govt, industrial and educational institutions — rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) potential of the city and found it has a capacity to generate about 2,858 MW energy.UPNEDA director Anupam Shukla said as per an estimate 2,014 MW of power can be derived from solar panels installed on rooftops of residential dwellings alone. “Another 616 MW can be derived from industrial sites and 107 MW from commercial buildings, 73 MW from educational establishments, 35 MW from government offices and 14 MW from healthcare institutions,” he said.Solar energy is cheaper by about 30% compared to conventional energy sources, and both state and central govts are offering subsidies to promote renewable energy. For the installation of solar panels in residential areas, the Centre will offer Rs 14,588 per kilowatt (kW) subsidy. The UP government will give Rs 15,000 per kW subsidy with a maximum of Rs 30,000 per kW. The estimated cost of installing solar panels in three- to four-bedroom flats comes to around Rs 2 lakh.Net metering will allow solar panel users to pass on excess or unused solar energy to the main grid of the power department. The amount will be adjusted against theirtotal consumption.

Use of solar energy in city grows over 3x in 5 yrs: Civic environment report

Pune's civic body's environment report revealed a three-fold increase in solar energy use from 2018-19 to 2022-23. The solar energy sanction load rose from 24,614 kW to 79,618 kW. Efforts in promoting solar energy and green building norms have earned the city a platinum IGBC rating. Initiatives include promoting electric and CNG buses to reduce pollution.

Rooftop solar generation in Maharashtra surpasses 100 MW

Maharashtra's rooftop solar generation under the Pradhanmantri Suryaghar Muft Bijali Yojna has crossed 100 MW, benefiting over 25,000 consumers. Initiated in February 2024, the scheme offered subsidies up to Rs 78,000 for 3 KW plants.

State can meet 150MW energy target by 2027

Goa could reach its goal of producing 150MW of renewable energy by 2027 through four proposed floating solar projects at Selaulim, Amthanem, Anjunem, and Chapoli dams. Power Minister Ramakrishna Sudin Dhavalikar stated these projects, costing Rs 1,300 crore, could generate 197 MW total. Rooftop solar currently produces 24.2 MW with Rs 7 crore subsidy support.