National Solar Mission - an appraisal: Standing Committee on Energy (2016-17) Twenty Eighth Report
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy has rapped the government for its ‘dismal performance’ in setting up solar energy systems at defence establishments. These observations were made in the 28th report of the committee titled National Solar Mission – An Appraisal. The committee noted that as on date 357.5 MW of solar power generation capacity has been allocated under the National Solar Mission for defence establishments but only 7 MW has been commissioned. The committee is not satisfied with this performance. Keeping in view that more than two years have passed since the issuance of the Administrative approval. In view of the estimated potential of 6000 MW and large tracts of land and vacant roof tops available with various establishments of the Defence Ministry, it should set a target of 5000 MW of Grid connected solar PV power projects by the defence establishments, it added. The committee also recommended that the full capacity of 5000 MW should be tendered through EPC mode so that only ‘Made in India’ Solar Cells and Modules may be used.