J&K Offers Mega Subsidies On Solar Panels, Solar Pumps

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta, in his latest announcement, said that the power consumers wishing to install rooftop solar in the state would get a 65 percent subsidy from the government. In comparison, those opting for solar-powered pumps would get up to 80 percent subsidy.

With the latest move, the deployment of solar energy in the state will likely get an impetus. Under the rooftop solar scheme, the benefit will be available for consumers having capacities between 1 KW to 10 KW capacity. In addition, the government has also made provisions for free maintenance of these solar assets for the first five years of the solar rooftop projects.

The government has also expressed its interest in roll-out the PM-KUSUM scheme. Component B of the scheme talks about installing solar pumps for farmers. Under the KUSUM scheme, the farmers can install subsidized solar pumps with up to 10 Horsepower (HP) capacity for irrigation. In addition, the farmers can choose from AC/DC surface and submersible water pumps.

The J&K Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) recently organised a Solar Expo in Srinagar in partnership with several renewable energy industry players. The Chief Secretary said the JAKEDA initiative would raise awareness regarding rooftop solar plants and pumps.

The Chief Secretary said that JAKEDA should organize more such expos in the union territory to generate more awareness about rooftop solar and the KUSUM Scheme. The top official of the J&K government held that the future belongs to renewable energy that reduces the dependence on fossil fuels.

Arun Kumar Mehta said that the future belongs to renewable energy that is clean, less hazardous, and cost-effective for consumers.

He said that solar power generated from rooftops solar not just reduces carbon emissions but also helps offset other power requirements. The rooftop solar power helps DISCOMs to supply power to the rest of their consumers.

During the event, Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Science & Technology, stated that his department was promoting these schemes in the state.

Jammu & Kashmir is on the path of sustainable development. Recently, the Administrative Council (AC) headed by approved the development of 200 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar power plants in Jammu. Subsequently, Jammu Smart City Ltd. awarded 200 electric buses tender to Tata Motors that will be plied in the city.