In an attempt to promote solar energy in the state, the Haryana government has decided to install solar projects on gram panchayat lands through Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited (HPGCL).
The decision was taken in the review meeting of New and Renewable Energy Department and The Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA) by the Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar.
To install a solar project on its land, whether barren or fertile, the panchayat body must have at least 10 acres of land. The gram panchayat office will be required to submit an application to Renewable Energy Department stating that they have the required amount of land.
Apart from this, if the panchayat establishes solar project with its own resources, then HPGCL would provide technical assistance to the project.
Under this program, HPGCL would initially establish solar power projects in Badhsa, Ghaglan, and other villages of Jhajjar district on a pilot project basis.
The government has also taken the suggestion to explore the use of solar energy poly house in the production of horticultural crops.
Recently, Haryana government had announced that it would provide subsidy to the tune of ₹15,000 (~$214.75) to consumers for installing solar home systems under the ‘Manohar Jyoti Yojana’ which aims to promote renewable energy in the state. The program was launched by the state government in 2017. Through this program, Haryana has set a target of installing as many as 1,00,000 solar lighting systems across the state.
Last year, the Renewable Energy Department of Haryana had issued new guidelines for the installation of rooftop solar projects in the state. The guidelines apply to all rooftop solar projects with capacities ranging from 1 kW to 500 kW. Under the new guidelines, rooftop solar systems for residential, institutional, and social sectors are eligible for Central Financial Assistance (CFA).
Currently, Haryana has negligible solar installations in the state.
