The Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase-II) is being implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The main aim of the scheme is to generate solar power by installing solar panels on the roof of the houses. The Government of India has set the goal  of installing 40,000 MW of Rooftop Solar (RTS) Power by the year 2022. 

This topic is important for prelims and GS papers of the Mains IAS Exam. Updates related to the Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase-II) will be made available here.

Facts About the Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase-II)

• Under the Rooftop Solar Scheme, the Ministry is providing 40% subsidy for the first 3 kW and 20% subsidy beyond 3 kW and upto 10 kW. 
• The scheme is being implemented in the states by local Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOMs).
• Now, households are permitted to get rooftop solar panels installed by themselves or by any vendor of their choice. Information about the installed system and its photograph should be sent to the distribution company. Earlier, the households were required to get the installation done from the listed vendors in order to avail the benefits and subsidy under the scheme.
• Households that wish to install rooftop solar panels can visit the National Portal for Solar Rooftop (Grid-Connected Rooftop) i.e. solarrooftop.gov.in and apply for the solar rooftop panels.
• Residential consumers have to pay the cost of rooftop solar plant by deducting the subsidy amount given by the Ministry as per the prescribed rate to the vendor. The Ministry, through the DISCOMs, will provide the subsidy amount to the vendors.
• The solar panels and other equipment installed by the empanelled vendors will also include 5-year maintenance of the rooftop solar plant by the same vendor.
• The distribution company has to ensure that the net metering is provided within 15 days of the information being received.  
• The subsidy to be given by the Government of India will be credited to the account of the householder by the DISCOM within 30 days of the installation.
• Central financial assistance (or subsidy) is available to residential sector grid-connected solar rooftop projects only. CFA is not available for other sectors e.g. government., institutional, social, commercial, industrial sectors etc. 

Advantages of  Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Scheme

The Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Scheme has various advantages. Some of the advantages of the Rooftop Solar Scheme are given below:

• It helps in reducing electricity bills.
• No additional land is required to install these panels, therefore, consumers can utilise the available vacant roof space
• It has a low gestation period.
• It reduces T&D losses as power consumption and generation are collocated.
• It helps in improving the tail-end grid voltages and reduces system congestion.
• It provides long term energy and ecological security by reducing carbon emission.
• It helps in better management of daytime peak loads by DISCOM/ utility.
• It will help in meeting the Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) of obligated entities.