QUEEN'S ROAD: Solar Rooftop Photovoltaic project, a Bescom initiative to generate electricity on a domestic level, is fast gaining popularity.
Bescom’s PV solar rooftop project with net metering was launched in November 2014, and is receiving applications from both households and organisations, officials say.
“We have received positive feedback so far with 400 registered online applications,” said Kiran Kumar, project executive, Bescom. Out of these 400, Bescom has installed 44 rooftop solar plants, which are currently generating 900 KW of electricity.
This is a cost-effective method to promote sustainable development in general and the use of renewable energy in particular, Kiran explains.
The registration fee is `500, and the customer can avail a 15 per cent subsidy upon installation from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
“It is also the cheapest rate in the country at `9.56 per unit, without subsidy. With subsidy it costs `7.25,” he adds.
Online applications are available on the Bescom website, and sources say it typically takes 15 to 20 days from the time of application to installation, depending on the consumer’s requirements.
The project is open for residential, educational and industrial purposes. Customers include Mount Carmel College, Siddaganga Cements and St Joseph’s Blind School in Hosakote.
Bindusree, project engineer, Bescom, says plans are on to expand the project to the rural areas. “We have received 46 applications from the Bengaluru Rural Area Zone (BRAZ).”
Land-based solar power plants
After getting a good response for solar rooftops, Bescom is considering other non-conventional energy generation methods. “We are planning to introduce land-based solar power plants for residential, educational and industrial purposes in Bengaluru. It is still in its initial stages,” Bindusree says.