Pune Achieves Remarkable Milestone: 10,000 Solar Power Projects Generate 254 MW of Energy
Pune, 1st June 2023: In a significant boost to rooftop solar power generation, MSEDCL has successfully implemented 10,170 solar power projects with a combined capacity of 253.94 MW in the Pune circle. The overwhelming response from customers, including individuals, societies, and commercial and industrial establishments, has contributed to this remarkable achievement.
Among the implemented projects, domestic solar projects from 7,580 customers alone account for 72 MW, while another 3,580 projects with a capacity of 96.79 MW are currently in progress.
The central government provides up to 40 percent subsidy for setting up rooftop solar power generation systems for domestic customers of Mahavitaran, including households, residential associations, and welfare associations. To ensure the smooth implementation of this scheme, Mr. Vijay Singhal, Chairman and Administrative Director of Mahavitaran, is actively reviewing the progress. Mr. Prasad Reshme, Level Director (Project), has been instrumental in providing support and momentum to the scheme.
Under the subsidy scheme, domestic customers are eligible for a 40 percent subsidy for solar power systems ranging from 1 to 3 kW, while a 20 percent subsidy is applicable for systems exceeding 3 kW up to 10 kW. For instance, a 3 kW solar power system costs approximately Rs. 1,24,000, out of which the concerned customer would have to bear an actual expenditure of around Rs. 74,400 after availing a 40 percent central grant of approximately Rs. 49,600. Additionally, housing societies and welfare associations can avail a 20 percent subsidy for group use, up to 500 kW with a limit of 10 kW per house.
To date, Pune circle has witnessed the implementation of 7,580 domestic projects with a capacity of 17.83 MW, 1,364 commercial projects totaling 36.11 MW, 641 industrial projects reaching 110.28 MW, and 585 projects from other customers generating 35.55 MW. Furthermore, there are 2,880 domestic projects under construction with a capacity of 15.01 MW, 343 commercial projects totaling 55.64 MW, 224 industrial projects reaching 8.31 MW, and 133 projects from other categories generating 8.31 MW.
The promotion of solar power generation projects and the training of engineers and technical workers have played a significant role in the growth of rooftop solar projects in Pune. The Ganeshkhind rest house was actively involved in the promotion of solar power generation, while engineers and technical workers received specialized training.
Additionally, representatives from 45 ‘Solar’ agencies on the selected list underwent specialized training. A joint workshop was also conducted, bringing together assistant engineers (quality control) from all 41 subdivision offices and representatives of ‘solar’ agencies.
Mr. Rajendra Pawar, Chief Engineer, emphasized the substantial financial benefits enjoyed by individuals and societies through rooftop solar energy projects, as they significantly reduce electricity expenses. The project development costs can be recovered within four to five years, and the benefits can be reaped for approximately 25 years. Through the net metering system, excess electricity can be sold back to Mahavitaran at the prevailing rates. Mr. Pawar urged electricity consumers to take advantage of rooftop solar power schemes to achieve financial savings and contribute to environmental protection.
