In the Karnataka state, solar projects aggregating 140 MW have been commissioned so far, under farmers program. These projects have been constructed on land held by farmers in the state.

In 2015, the government launched a program under which 300 MW (with projects ranging from 1 to 3 MW) of solar was to be developed by farmers on land held by them at a very lucrative tariff of Rs.8.40 (~$0.1254)/kWh. Under this program, farmers are provided with a central subsidy of Rs.50,00,000 (~$79,365)/MW.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker, 154 projects totaling 306 MW was awarded under this program.

Some projects have demanded time extension to complete construction and respective DISCOMs (distribution companies) in the state have given their approval and the projects have been provided with a six-month extension. We expect the entire capacity to be onboard (commissioned) towards the second half of 2017, stated a KREDL official.

Image Credit: GPOBA

Sampath has been part of the Mercom India research and news team since the company’s inception. He currently oversees all data and research relating to news published on the MercomIndia.com platform. Sampath received his Bachelor’s of Commerce Degree from Kuvempu University and Post Graduate Diploma in Management, from Indira Gandhi National Open University. More articles from Sampath Krishna.