The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has supported research and development activities in solar photovoltaic systems resulting in an increase in their efficiency, reliability and life as well as a reduction in the cost of solar cells, modules and systems including solar lighting systems using various light sources such as CFLs, LEDs, etc. The LED luminiare in the lighting system has resulted in the use of lesser capacity of PV modules for solar lanterns, home lights and street lights. The Government is providing central financial assistance (CFA) of 30% of the cost of installation of solar photovoltaic systems such as solar lanterns, home lights, street lights and stand-alone PV power plants subject to a maximum of Rs. 81/- per Wp under Off-grid Solar Applications Scheme of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) in General Category States. CFA of up to 90% of the project cost in Special Category States, UT Islands and districts with International Border is available for installation of these systems by Central and State Government Ministries, Departments and their organisations, State Nodal Agencies and local bodies. The Ministry is also providing 40% subsidy of the benchmark cost of Rs. 270/- per Wp for solar home lighting systems and small capacity PV systems through NABARD. Under JNNSM, the Ministry is providing central financial assistance of Rs. 3000/- per sq. meter of collector area for evacuated tube based solar water heaters and Rs. 3300/- per sq. meter for flat plate collectors based systems. The Ministry is also providing assistance for solar air heaters, solar cooker and solar steam systems at 30% of cost subject to certain benchmarks. The Off-grid Solar Applications Scheme under JNNSM is open to all categories of users including Medium and Small Enterprises. They are entitled to avail either 30% subsidy of the project costs subject to the above mentioned limits or interest subsidy for installation of solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems. This information was given by the Minister of New and Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
