NDPL's bright idea: Get your own solar power

Few points to be noted:

1. If we add the Balance of Systems costs, the total cost of the system may be closer to 2 lakh to 2.5 lakh. Which means the payback would be even greater, in true economic sense.
2. Solar PV is probably the most expensive form of renewable energy available as of today. It is primarily used in India for off-grid applications where grid connectivity is relatively expensive.
3. Silicon prices have been falling of late and are expected to fall significantly in near future. New technologies for Solar cell fabrication are being researched in developed economies, with lot of money being spent on developing low cost solutions.
4. Installation based incentives (IBI) have been majorly exploited by Wind farm developers in India, with depreciation tax benefits being the key driver than power generation.
5. 40% subsidy on solar panels is significant and the actual utilisation of panels needs to be monitored.
6. Focus on energy efficiency could provide a much larger amount of energy at much lower cost, than a one-time lock-in into a massive Solar PV system, in the current scenario.

Given the above, a careful analysis of the entire proposal is required. We should neither create a distorted system like artificial subsidising of Diesel fuel nor allow large players to exploit the power crisis to push expensive solutions which may not suit the needs of the comman man.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Delhi/NDPLs-bright-idea-Get-your-own-solar-power/articleshow/4739191.cms

"Discom NDPL is planning to give its consumers the option of setting up solar (photovoltaic) panels on the rooftop. The decision will be implemented as soon as a proposed 40% rebate on solar panels by Delhi government comes through and Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) fixes the tariff for the power produced from these panels."