MNRE Releases Benchmark Costs for Off-grid Solar PV Systems for 2020-21

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has recently released benchmark costs for Off-grid Solar PV Systems for the Year 2020-21.

System-wise benchmark costs are as under:

1. Standalone Solar Pumps

2) Solar Lighting Systems

The solar study lamp above is with 2.5 Wp solar panel, 1 W LED luminaire, and 3.2 V — 2000 mAh Li battery and solar street lights with 75 Wp solar panel, 12 W LED luminaire, and 12.8 V — 30 Ah Li battery.

3) Standalone Solar Power Plants/Packs:

The following benchmark costs will come into effect from today. However, the cases wherein the tender has been finalized as on the date of issuance of this Order but Letter of Award (LoA) is yet to be placed, benchmark costs for FY 2019-20 issued vide Order dated 25.07.2019 will be applicable, provided that the LoA is placed by 15.07.2020. 

Under the Ministry’s programs above the benchmark, costs will be applicable in all cases from 16.07.2020 onwards.

The benchmark costs are for systems installed as per MNRE specifications inclusive of the total system cost and its installation, commissioning, transportation, insurance, comprehensive maintenance charges for five years, online monitoring, and applicable fees and taxes.

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has recently announced Modifications in Scheme for Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects. So far, there are seven modes under which the scheme is implemented. The Ministry has now introduced another Mode-8 named ‘Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks’ (UMREPP). 

Under this scheme, the state government will provide necessary assistance to the SPPDs in identification & acquisition of land for setting up of UMREPPs and also to facilitate all required statutory clearances. The state government may designate any state government organization for the purpose.

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