The programme is an extension of BSES Solar City Initiative and brings residents welfare associations (RWAs) and solar vendors on a common platform
NEW DELHI: To boost rooftop solar installations in the city, BSES discoms are launching “Solarise Safdarjung” and “Solarise Karkardooma” community-based demand aggregation programmes, which will be expanded if the pilot projects are successful.
The programme is an extension of BSES Solar City Initiative and brings residents welfare associations (RWAs) and solar vendors on a common platform, a BSES spokesman said. Adapting to the new Covid normal, a 100% virtual campaign will be carried out, he said.
The areas under BSES Rajdhani and BSES Yamuna already have over 2,800 such installations with an installed load of above 90 Megawatts-peak.
“The programmes were launched in virtual ceremonies in presence of the RWAs from these two areas. This initiative is pursuant to a statement of intent signed by US Department of State and India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy under US-India Clean Energy Finance Task Force on November 15, 2018,” he said.
The initiative aims to maximise the utilisation of solar rooftop potential in a targeted area. It seeks to create a market-based approach for scaling up rooftop solar utilities.
The 10-week drive will involve reaching out to consumers, resolving their queries, organising consultations with installers and financiers, and interactive testimonials from owners of existing facilities.
“The campaign is adopting innovative concepts like Solar Ambassadors and Solar Champions. Youth is being specifically targeted and reached out in the online campaign as ‘influencers’. Though domestic consumers and residential societies are the prime targets, commercial and institutional consumers can also participate in the initiative,” he said.
The arrangement is helping consumers reduce their electricity bills while helping the environment. Consumers are being offered premium, customised and non-subsidised solar solutions, including imported components, easy financing options and extended warranty. The consumer’s excess solar power is bought by the discoms at the rates specified by Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission.
First published by The Economic Times on 3 Nov. 2020