The state government, which is now gradually shifting its focus on non-conventional energy sources to bridge the widening gap between the demand and supply of power, has approved a plan mooted by The New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NEDCAP) to generate 100 MW of solar power from Anantapur district.
The NEDCAP has set a target of producing 100 MW of solar power in 2013-14 financial year. And as per its plan subsidy will be provided to the private players who intend to set up of solar power units.
According to NEDCAP district manager M Sivaprakash, three mandals have been chosen suitable for solar power generation. The NEDCAP is aiming at producing 82 MW of solar power in Kadiri mandal and 18 MW more in Kalyanadurgam and Rayadurgam mandals.
“We are ready to provide subsidies to private institutions who are interested to set up solar power units on their premises.
The registration charge for the land required for power units will be reimbursed and the owners will get tax exemptions on purchase of solar panels and other equipment,” he said, adding that the GATES Engineering College has set up a solar power unit at a cost of Rs 2.25 crore of which Rs 80 lakh has been provided as subsidy.
Anantapur district is the most ideal district in Rayalaseema for solar power generation as dry weather prevails here in most parts in a year.