The Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) released Draft Solar Policy 2017. The draft is open for comments up to July 14, 2017.

The agency stated, “Goa being eco-sensitive, no thermal energy generation is possible in the state. Hence, to attain self-reliance in power generation and to promote clean source of power, the solar policy is being adopted.”

This policy will come into effect from the date of notification in the official gazette in the state of Goa and will remain in force for a seven-year period.

It is proposed to install 150 MW of solar PV power by 2022 as per the guidelines of MNRE and JERC with effect from the year 2015-16.

The policy calls for a project completion timeframe of 240 days for projects of 100 kW to 1 MW capacity, from the date of project approval by GEDA. For projects of 1 MW and above, the project completion timeframe will be one year from the date of project approval by GEDA.

The cumulative solar capacity allowed at a distribution transformer will not exceed 30 percent of the peak capacity of the transformer. For solar projects of up to 100 kW, the state government will grant 50 percent of the capital cost or the benchmark cost provided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) (whichever is lower) as an interest free loan, which will be recovered in installments after six months onwards, from the time power flows into the grid.

The state government will provide a subsidy of 30 percent of capital costs or the benchmark cost provided by MNRE (whichever is lower) for projects up to 100 kW for standalone systems, including the cost of battery (off-grid systems). The funds will be released by way of ₹1 for every unit of power generated and will be paid every six months.

The agency has proposed an empowered committee that will be constituted under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary of Goa to oversee, monitor and resolve any issues and dispute settlements relating to this policy.