The BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) have expanded the solar city program by launching ‘Solarize Safdarjung’ and ‘Solarize Kakardooma’ projects in Delhi, according to a press release.

Under the program, consumers are offered premium, customized and non-subsidized (no Central Financial Assistance) solar solutions, including imported components, easy financing options, extended warranty, and additional annual maintenance services among others under the capital expenditure (CAPEX) model. These are in addition to the existing roof-top solar programs being offered by BSES, wherein consumers can opt for solar under both the CAPEX and the RESCO models and avail of applicable government subsidies.

In both, the models, the consumer’s excess solar power is purchased by the distribution companies (DISCOMs) at the rates specified by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission.

The main aim of the initiative is to maximize the utilization of solar rooftop potential in the area. The program’s objective is to scale up the rooftop potential and introduce community-led demand aggregation in the area. The DISCOM plans to expand the program in other BSES areas depending on the results.

The program has been launched in partnership with SmartPower, a non-profit organization focused on local community campaigns to promote clean energy, WeeGreen, and Council on Energy Environment and Water (CEEW).

There are currently over 2,800 rooftop installations in the BSES areas with an installed capacity of 90 MW. The innovative program is a part of the statement of intent (SoI) signed between the US Department of State and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on November 15, 2018, under the US-India Clean Energy Finance task force.

Commenting on this latest initiative, a BSES spokesperson said, “This community-driven initiative is the latest testimonial of our efforts to promote rooftop solar aggressively. We aim to accelerate rooftop solar development by aggregating consumers and bringing in the necessary participation from developers and financiers.”

“The program will educate consumers about the benefits of solar energy while ensuring strict quality compliance of the systems being installed. It will also facilitate various finance options available to the consumers,” he added.

The program will help the DISCOMs meet their renewable purchase obligation (RPO) targets and minimize overloading issues in congested areas.

In the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the programs are fully virtual using innovative online tools. This means that from reaching out to the consumers, resolving their queries, and organizing their consultations with solar installers and financiers, the entire process will be conducted online.

While the initiative targets primarily domestic consumers and residential societies, commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers can also participate in this program.

Indraprastha Power Generation Company Limited (IPGCL), the agency responsible for all tenders and installation of solar projects across Delhi revealed the lowest bidders and the quoted costs for residential rooftop under the CAPEX models B and F in its latest auction. For CAPEX model-F, Krypton Solar emerged as the L1 bidder with the project cost of ₹32,400 (~$433)/kW.