The Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) has said it has decided to allow registration of residential rooftop solar applications for up to 750 MW capacity from empaneled vendors for the financial year 2020-21 under the SURYA-Gujarat program.

According to GUVNL’s portal, empaneled vendors submitted 274,006 applications for 1.06 GW of capacity.

In 2019, Paschim Gujarat Vij Company (PGVCL) issued a tender for empaneled agencies to install 600 MW of grid-connected residential rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Bidders were required to quote the rates inclusive of a comprehensive maintenance contract for five years.

PGVCL divided bidders into two categories. Category-A bidders were those who had installed and commissioned at least 100 kW solar capacity in any sector such as residential, social, industrial, commercial, and government. Category-B bidders included those not covered under Category-A.

However, in February 2020, the Gujarat Government’s Energy and Petrochemical Department extended the deadline for receiving applications to install the 600 MW of rooftop solar systems. The deadline was extended to February 28, 2020. In March 2020, PGVCL reissued the tender.

PGVCL invited bids for eleven capacities of solar systems: 1-1.5 kW, 1.51-2.50 kW, 2.51-3.50 kW, 3.51-4.50 kW, 4.51-5.50 kW, 5.51-6 kW, 6 kW, above 6 kW to 10 kW, over 10 kW to 25 kW, 25 kW to 50 kW, 50 to 100 kW, and above 100 kW.

The Gujarat Government introduced the Surya Urja Rooftop Yojana to promote rooftop solar in the residential sector. The program provides a 40% subsidy for systems up to 3 kW and a 20% subsidy for projects above 3 kW and up to 10 kW.

According to Mercom’s India Rooftop Solar Market Report Q2 2021, 55% of this quarter’s installed rooftop solar capacity was in Gujarat. The state has a total rooftop solar capacity of 1.27 GW as of June 30, 2021.

Rooftop solar is an excellent choice for a country with transmission infrastructure issues, but states have been slow in implementing the programs. To discuss the opportunities and challenges, Mercom is hosting a session – “Rooftop Solar – Demand is Up Despite Policy Restrictions” at the Mercom India Solar Forum 2021 on October 21. The virtual event stakeholders will share their views on creating a path for consumers wanting to go green.

Harsh Shukla is a staff reporter at Mercom India. Previously with Indian Express, he has covered general interest stories. He holds a Masters Degree in Journalism from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune.

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