Government Issues Delhi Solar Policy 2023 For A Sustainable Future In The Capital

In a bid to propel Delhi towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, the Delhi government has introduced the Delhi Solar Energy Policy 2023. This landmark policy is set to revolutionize the way solar energy is harnessed and utilized in the capital city, with a slew of initiatives aimed at boosting solar adoption across various consumer segments.

Under the policy, which comes into effect immediately upon notification and will be operational for the next three years, the government has outlined ambitious targets to be achieved by 2026-27. These include the installation of 4,500 MW of solar capacity, comprising 750 MW of rooftop solar within the state and 3750 MW of utility-scale solar from outside Delhi. Such a move is poised to significantly reduce the reliance on conventional fossil fuels, thereby mitigating air pollution and combating climate change.

One of the key focuses of the policy is to address the challenges faced by consumers, particularly in adopting rooftop solar systems. Limited availability of capital, constrained rooftop space, and complex net metering processes have hindered widespread adoption in the past. In response, the policy introduces innovative models such as group net metering and community solar.

Group net metering allows consumers with multiple buildings or service connections to maximize the utilization of rooftop space by sharing solar energy generated across properties. Similarly, community solar enables consumers without suitable rooftops, such as apartment dwellers or those with shaded roofs, to benefit from solar energy through collective ownership of large solar systems.

For consumers facing capital constraints, the policy introduces the hybrid RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model. This model enables consumers to adopt rooftop solar systems without any upfront costs, with the developer bearing the capital expenditure. Through a tripartite agreement among the developer, DISCOM (Distribution Company), and consumer, solar power is seamlessly integrated into the grid, providing consumers with net-metering benefits and lower tariffs.

To further incentivize solar adoption, the policy offers Generation Based Incentives (GBI) for a period of five years to domestic, commercial, and industrial consumers. Additionally, residential consumers can avail themselves of a capital subsidy of ₹2000/kW, up to a maximum of ₹10,000 per consumer, for all solar projects.

Operational guidelines are also established to ensure the effective implementation of the policy, covering aspects such as employment generation, promoting the reuse and recycling of solar components, out-of-state solar procurement, and facilitating rooftop assessments.

Key stakeholders, including the Apex Committee, Delhi Solar Cell, DISCOMs, and IPGCL (Indraprastha Power Generation Company Limited), have defined roles in the implementation of the policy, ensuring a coordinated effort towards achieving the objectives of the Delhi Solar Energy Policy 2023. Overall, the policy sets a clear roadmap for Delhi to emerge as a leader in solar adoption, ushering in a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for the capital city and its residents.

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