Ray of hope for solar firms
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12/10/2008
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Deccan Chronicle (Hyderabad)
Hyderabad, Oct. 12: Firms selling solar energy equipment in the state are all set to witness a boom as the Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved the eternal renewable energy source policy. The ERC has issued an order allowing the state-owned power utilities to buy solar energy from the developers at Rs 7 per unit to promote green power. In the absence of a clear policy for the Transco and Discoms to buy solar power, many units had closed down after the initial euphoria.
Responding to several representations from the industry, the Union ministry of new energy has evolved the concept of demonstration projects to encourage new investments in solar energy. These units would get Rs 12 per unit incentive from the ministry. All the state ERCs have been requested to finalise the tariff not exceeding Rs 15 per unit. The incentive scheme is limited to 10 MW in a state and 50 MW for the country.
"Now, the states should finalise the solar power tariff and ensure regular purchase from these units. This will certainly give a big push to the budding units," said a senior official from the energy department. The state is particularly well placed with the country