2 days ago
Karnataka Accelerates Rooftop Solar Projects for Government Buildings
Karnataka wants to put solar panels on more government buildings.
The work will be carried out under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
The Public Works Department will check which buildings have suitable roofs.
Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited will help implement projects through partnerships with private companies.
In one model, private developers pay for the panels and maintain them.
In another model, government departments pay for and own the systems.
Buildings will use the solar electricity first, and extra power can go to the grid.
Officials say the plan could lower electricity costs and reduce reliance on conventional power.
Karnataka will accelerate rooftop solar installations on government buildings under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
The Public Works Department will survey buildings, while Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited will implement projects through public-private partnerships.
Deputy Commissioners’ offices and other buildings with suitable rooftop space will receive priority.
Under the RESCO model, developers cover upfront costs, operate the systems, and maintain equipment during the contract period.
Under the CAPEX model, government departments fund and own projects, while surplus electricity can be supplied to the grid.
- Who
- The Karnataka government, Energy Department officials, the Public Works Department, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited, BESCOM and other electricity supply companies.
- What
- The government will accelerate rooftop solar installations on government buildings using RESCO and CAPEX models.
- Where
- The progress review was held at the BESCOM Corporate Office in Bengaluru, and the projects will cover eligible government buildings across Karnataka.
- When
- The plan was discussed at a meeting reported on Monday, August 31.
- Why
- The government aims to promote renewable energy, reduce electricity expenditure and conventional-power dependence, lower carbon emissions, and strengthen energy security.
Key facts
- Scheme
- PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
- Priority buildings
- Deputy Commissioners’ offices and other government buildings with suitable rooftop space
- Survey agency
- Public Works Department
- Implementation agency
- Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited
- RESCO model
- Developers bear project costs and handle operation, maintenance, equipment replacement, and monitoring
- CAPEX model
- Government departments fund and own projects, with developers selected through bidding
- Grid arrangements
- Buildings use generated electricity first, while surplus power is supplied to the grid
Quotes
N Shivashankar
Managing Director of BESCOM
“The developers will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the systems, replacement of equipment and performance monitoring throughout the contract period. This will help government departments reduce their electricity expenditure and generate revenue by selling surplus power to the grid.”
theprint.in
“BESCOM and other ESCOMs will provide the necessary support for grid connectivity, metering and compliance with regulatory requirements. This will ensure the smooth integration of rooftop solar systems with the electricity grid.”
theprint.in
K J George
Karnataka Energy Minister
“Our state has consistently been at the forefront of promoting renewable energy. Solarisation of government buildings will reduce our dependence on conventional power and promote renewable energy. It will also help reduce carbon emissions, improve energy sustainability and strengthen energy security.”
theprint.in
Sources
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