THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The authorities have announced a scheme to provide rooftop solar plants at 40 percent subsidy for city dwellers through the solar city project. An agreement was reached in this regard during the review meeting of the solar city project held in the corporation. The central government is allocating funds for the scheme only in selected cities. Only cities implementing solar city projects will get a 40 percent solar subsidy. This scheme is aimed at increasing the use of solar power. Its follow-up and application forms will be ready within two months.

The capital is also in the process of becoming a fully solar city by 2024 through solar power generation. The main advantages of the project are savings in electricity bills, no production costs, self-sufficiency in electricity, sustainable growth, and low cost of installation and subsequent maintenance.

Anert has completed the DPR of the project and submitted the report to the central government. A preliminary survey found that 52 government institutions in the city are qualified to install the project.

In the scheme

• The solar subsidy scheme is for domestic consumers.
• As part of the scheme, the central government is providing subsidy in the form of 40 percent subsidy for plants with a capacity of 1 to 3 KW, 40 percent for the first 3 KW for plants with a capacity of 4 to 10 KW, and 20 percent subsidy for every KW after that.
• No subsidy for above 10 kW. 37 companies have been empanelled to implement this project.

Other projects targeted in the capital

Installation of rooftop solar in feasible institutions in the city, generation of electricity from solid waste, conversion of street lights to solar, promotion of electric vehicles, and floating solar power plants in Veli, Akkulam and Vellayani backwaters for power generation in riverside tourism are also targeted through this project.

• The Center provides electricity up to 100 MW at 40 percent subsidy
• The application will be accepted after checking the criteria for providing solar to the applicants.
• The total number of buildings in the city is -2,33,663. 467.326 MW can be generated if a 2 KW solar power plant is installed in each building.