BESCOM encourages Rooftop Solar Scheme

Pushes people for green and clean energy

Bengaluru, Dec. 12: To encourage people to go for green energy, the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) has started implementing the Central sponsored Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase-II).

The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has allocated 10 mega-watt capacities to BESCOM. BESCOM has already received 1500 applications seeking installation of the grid-connected rooftop solar panels said BESCOM MD, Mahantesh Bilagi.

Under this scheme MNRE is providing a 40% subsidy for the first 3 kW and a 20% subsidy beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW. The scheme is being implemented in the states by local Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOMs).

The solar panels and other equipment to be installed by the empanelled vendors shall be as per the standard and specifications issued by the MNRE. The empanelled vendors should do 5-year maintenance of the rooftop solar plants, MNRE stated.
BESCOM consumers can avail this service by login https://solarrooftop.gov.in
or https://bescom.karnataka.gov.in/ If consumers take a simplified procedure by submitting an application through https://solarrooftop.gov.in, once they furnish all required documents and get the clearance, the subsidy amount will be directly credited to their bank account through DBT. They have to pay the remaining project cost to the authorised vendors of MNRE.

Even consumers can also avail the service of BESCOM by submitting online applications through https://bescom.karnataka.gov.in/. Consumers can approach BESCOM’s empanelled vendors to install the rooftop solar panels, BESCOM MD added.
If consumers availed the services of BESCOM to install rooftop solar panels, BESCOM will pay the subsidy amount to the vendors and consumers has to pay the remaining amount to the vendors. Under this scheme, consumers have to install solar panels based on their sanctioned power load. After installing net meter they can export the surplus power to the grid.
In a recent held review meeting the Energy Minister V. Sunil Kumar instructed the BESCOM officials to implement this scheme in the BESCOM region on a priority basis. After awarding the tender, BESCOM has started implementing the scheme. People have shown positive responses to install grid-connected roof top solar panels, BESCOM MD said.

The grid-connected rooftop solar panels also be installed for the power usage of the common areas in the residential apartment complex.
Simplified procedures: The registered empanelled vendor selected by the beneficiaries through the MNRE portal will conduct the physical survey to assess the rooftop solar capacity and assist the beneficiary about the rooftop solar capacity that can be installed in the beneficiary’s premises considering technical and financial parameters.
The vendor shall also provide all necessary assistance to the beneficiary in getting approvals, installing the net meter and facilitating inspection by the BESCOMs, stated in the MNRE order dated June 10, 2022.

Further MNRE warned the vendors not to mislead the beneficiaries by providing false information. If vendors failed to meet the demand of the beneficiaries the respective DISCOM can take action against empanelled vendors including blacklisting and forfeiting their bank guarantee of them.

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