The Haryana Government has decided to install solar projects on Gram Panchayat lands, in an attempt to promote solar energy in the state through Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited (HPGCL).
This decision was taken by the Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar at the meeting of New and Renewable Energy Department and the Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA).
In order to install the solar project on the Gram Panchayat land, whether barren or fertile the Panchayat body must have 10 acres of land area. The Gram Panchayat will have to submit an application to Renewable Energy Department affirming that they have the required amount of land.
Apart from this, if the Panchayt establishes solar project with its own resources, then HPGCL would provide technical assistance to the project.
Under this program, HPGCL initially would establish solar power projects in Badhsa, Ghaglan, and other villages of Jhajjar district on a pilot project basis.
The government has also taken the suggestion to explore the use of solar energy poly house in the production of horticultural crops.
Recently, Haryana government had announced that it would provide subsidy to the tune of Rs.15,000 to consumers for installing solar home systems under the ˜Manohar Jyoti Yojana which aims in promoting renewable energy in the state. The Haryana Government has set a target of installing 1,00,000 solar lighting systems across the state.
The Renewable Energy Department of Haryana had issued new guidelines for the installation of rooftop solar projects in the state last year. The guidelines apply to all rooftop solar projects with capacities ranging from 1 KW to 500 KW. Rooftop solar systems for residential, institutional, and social sectors are eligible for Central Financial Assistance (CFA) under the new guidelines.