Maturity level and high cost of the technology, compatibility of transmission and distribution infrastructure, limitations on land availability, adequacy of fiscal incentives have been the reasons behind the very low penetration of solar energy in the mainstream life of Kerala.
This is all set to change as Kerala released it's new Solar Draft Policy which will see the state install 500MW of Solar Power by 2017. As per the New Solar Policy the State has identified the core goals which it plans to achieve.
i. Increase the installed capacity of the solar sector in the state to 500 MW by 2017 and 1500 MW by 2030.
The Policy will come into operation with effect from 01.04.2013 and will remain in force until superseded or modified by another Policy. Also Kerala recently fixed Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) to 3% of the total energy consumption and out of which 0.25% shall be from the solar sources alone, with annual escalation at 10% till the quantum from renewable reaches 10% of total purchase.
ii. Contributing to long term energy security of the State of Kerala as well as ecological security by reduction in carbon emissions
iii. Define end users who can adapt solar in a big way.
iv. Deploy package of incentives and disincentives for identified groups.
v. Adaption of solar to trigger a paradigm shift in the usage of energy at the micro and macro level.
vi.Generating large direct and indirect employment opportunities in solar and allied industries.
vii. Creation of skilled and semi-skilled man power resources for installation and maintenance of the solar systems through promotion of technical and other related training facilities.
viii. Promotion of entrepreneurs / startups industries / institutions in the state who are engaged in the development of innovative solar based systems.
The Policy will come into operation with effect from 01.04.2013 and will remain in force until superseded or modified by another Policy. Also Kerala recently fixed Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) to 3% of the total energy consumption and out of which 0.25% shall be from the solar sources alone, with annual escalation at 10% till the quantum from renewable reaches 10% of total purchase.
To Download the Policy Click here.
