BSES launches rooftop solar single-point for apartment complexes

In an initiative to promote clean energy, BSES, one of Delhi's two electricity distribution companies (discoms), on Sunday launched the country's first solar rooftop consumer aggregation programme for residential buildings to provide the installations at a single point for the entire apartment complex.

The sister discom BSES Rajdhani Power ltd's (BRPl) "Solar City Initiative", designed to maximise rooftop solar power use in south and west Delhi, was launched at an event here by Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain.

"Taking its commitment to promote renewables to the next level, BRPl, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) PACE-D and Indo-German Collaboration (GIZ) has launched an ambitious 'Solar City Initiative'," a BSES release said. 

"Unlike conventional methods, under this programme, rooftop solar installations will be provided at a single point for the entire apartment complex." 

In the first phase of the programme, around 150 residential societies will be targeted in the Dwarka area. 

"looking at the response, the programme will be expanded to other residential segments across BSES," it said. 

listing the benefits for consumers, the discom said a 1 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftop system is expected to generate 4-5 kilowatt hours (kwh) of electricity per day, which corresponds to an average monthly saving on bills of about Rs 750 for a period of 25 years for single-point delivery consumers. 

"Moreover, to set up the solar plant, a 30 per cent capital subsidy is provided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy along with a Rs 2 per unit generation-based incentive allotted to a limited number of early projects by the Delhi government," it said. 

Besides, the scheme would help BRPl in meeting its renewable purchase obligation, as well as minimise overloading issues in congested areas during the peak summer months, the statement said. 

"It will also help us in achieving capex deferment for line replacement and unplanned grid up-gradation intermittently," it added.

BSES also announced that a portal has been launched as part of the initiative for online processing of rooftop solar applications, as well as a dedicated solar helpline for faster resolution of customer queries.