The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has extended the project commissioning timeframe for 30 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects which are under development in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

These projects are being implemented by New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP). Now, the projects can be commissioned by June 30, 2018.

According to the specifications of the MNRE, the extension of commissioning timeframe is reserved for residential, institutional, and social sector beneficiaries.

The decision by the MNRE comes in response to NREDCAP’s request for the extension of project commissioning timeline for the projects. According to NREDCAP, rooftop solar projects aggregating 10.348 MW are yet to be commissioned.

Responding to the request, MNRE also specified that the settlement of the project capacity installed during the extended period will be done on the basis of its prevailing benchmark cost.

For the capacity installed after March 31, 2018, the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) will be calculated on the new benchmark cost for the year 2018-19.

In July 2017, NREDCAP set the rates for empanelment to supply, install and commission 1 kW to 5 kW solar rooftop projects. The move was aimed at easing the process of installation of rooftop solar systems across the state.

The rates established by NREDCAP were as follows: ₹80,000 (~$1,238) as the project cost for a 1 kW project, ₹1,43,000 (~$2,214) for a 2 kW project, ₹2,19,150 (~$3,393) for a 3 kW project, ₹2,64,680 (~$4,098) for a 4 kW project, and ₹3,45,000 (~$5,342) for a 5 kW project.

In January 2018, NREDCAP tendered a grid-connected solar PV project to supply power under open access to the Vijaywada Municipal Corporation (VMC). The project is expected to supply 1.2 Million Units (MUs) of solar power to VMC every month for a period of 25 years.

NREDCAP also tendered 2.4 MW of solar rooftop to be developed under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) mode in Andhra Pradesh.

Image credit: Wikipedia