In an effort to expand the reach of rooftop solar in the state, Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPREC) has issued a notification that allows consumers to install rooftop solar projects of the following capacities:

The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) has also recently issued 150 consent letters to applicants who want to develop rooftop solar projects at their premises.

Himachal Pradesh’s nodal agency, Himurja, conducted a two-day energy event where state’s power minister Anil Sharma issued these consent letters to the applicants.

Himurja has stated in a press release that the state government of Himachal Pradesh is taking the implementation of the grid-connected rooftop solar program in the state very seriously. The state aims to bring majority of its buildings under this program. The state government has also approved a subsidy of ₹4,000 ($57) per kWp in addition to the 70 percent capital subsidy on rooftop solar projects (central financial assistance) provided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Speaking to Mercom, K. L. Thakur, the director of Himurja said, “There is a demand for rooftop solar from consumers, they are looking to reduce their power costs. Utilizing the subsidy provided by the central as well as state governments and capitalizing on a net metering connection, rooftop solar has become very economical in the state”

Last month, Mercom had reported on the news of HPERC issuing a draft notification proposing  various amendments to its rooftop solar regulations.

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Shaurya is a staff reporter at MercomIndia.com with experience working in the Indian solar energy industry for the past four years in various roles. Prior to joining Mercom, Shaurya worked with a renewable energy developer and a consulting company. Shaurya holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom.