- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved Phase-II of the Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme that aims to achieve a cumulative capacity of 40,000 MW from rooftop solar projects by 2022.
- The programme will be implemented with a total central financial support of ₹11,814 crore.
- The Phase II programme provides for central financial assistance (for residential rooftop solar installations) up to 40% for rooftop systems up to 3kW and 20% for those with a capacity of 3-10kW.
- The second phase will also focus on increasing the involvement of the distribution companies (DISCOM).
- “Performance-based incentives will be provided to DISCOMs based on RTS capacity achieved in a financial year [i.e. April 1 to March 31 every year till the duration of the scheme] over and above the base capacity, i.e., cumulative capacity achieved at the end of previous financial year.
- The Cabinet approved the launch of the Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan aimed at providing financial and water security to farmers.
- Through the scheme, farmers will be given financial assistance to set up solar panels in their unused or fallow land.
- The scheme aims to add a solar capacity of 25,750 MW by 2022.
- The total central financial support provided under the scheme would be ₹34,422 crore.
