Friday, November 21, 2014: The TN Energy Development (TEDA) initiative of developing grid tied domestic rooftop solar photovoltaic scheme has gained momentum on receiving over 2,140 installation applications by the interested consumers.
As per TEDA official, around 240 solar systems have already been set up by the vendors under the CM’s solar rooftop capital incentive scheme. He said, “We are hoping to receive more applications from consumers in the coming days.” Subramanian of Green Pearl Solar Systems said that the company has received good demand for installing rooftop solar panels with net metering facility. He noted that up till now they have already installed 40 solar systems in homes.
People from city opted for solar systems without battery backup since there was no load shedding whereas in other districts, people opted for a battery supported system. The battery attached needs replacement after every two or three years.
Also, one of the vendors mentioned about the excessive delay by the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) on releasing the subsidy for the rooftop photovoltaic system had also impacted upon the scheme implementation. The vendor said, “We have installed solar systems on consumer rooftops after collecting only the amount, reducing the state and Central government subsidies.”
Upon this the TEDA official noted though the delay in releasing subsidy by the Union ministry have been observed since past two years but within the last two months they had released the subsidy amount. The delay was mainly observed because of the less availability of locally manufactured inverters.
