Indian State Of Haryana Launches Revised Solar Policy, Targets 4 GW Capacity By 2022

Originally published on PlanetSave.

The north Indian state of Haryana is the latest to launch a revised solar power policy that aligns with the central government’s enhanced capacity addition target.

The government of Haryana recently organized an investors’ summit to attract fresh investments in renewable energy, especially the solar power sector. Despite having decent land and solar energy resources, Haryana is not among the fastest emerging solar power markets in India.

The government announced that the new solar power policy will have a target of adding 4 GW capacity by 2022. This provides clarity to the project developers, who will know exactly how much demand for solar power is expected over the next few years.

The policy clarifies that the state will procure solar power in addition to what is mandated for it to acquire under the Renewable Purchase Obligation. To attract investments from private sector companies and entities, the policy exempts solar power projects from electricity duty and cross-subsidy charges.

The policy is particularly attractive for small-scale project developers that plan to set up projects of 1-2 MW capacity. The policy sets aside 800 MW capacity for such project developers. These projects may also receive additional incentives in terms of higher tariffs.

The government has streamlined the process of obtaining approvals to set up rooftop solar power systems and will also incentivize owners and developers with net-metering and feed-in tariff schemes. As the central government directed all states last year, the policy exempts solar power projects from any transmission charges.

Learning from the state of Gujarat, the Haryana government has also included targets aimed to cover water canals and their banks with solar panels.

Reprinted with permission.