Solar power grant scheme: Applications open for social institutions on ‘first-come, first served’ basis

The government has invited online applications to install solar power plants at social welfare institutions and community inns (dharamshalas) belonging to Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes. Project Officer Sanjeev Kumar Nain shared that applications were now open on the “first come, first served” basis.

For social sector institutions such as gurukuls, working women hostels, orphanages, centres for the hearing and speech impaired, naturopathy centres, and Red Cross institutions registered under NGOs, charitable or government bodies the scheme allows for installation of grid-connected solar power plants. Institutions can apply for up to 50 kW (without battery) and 10 kW (with battery) capacity.

Under the scheme, the state government will provide a 50 per cent subsidy, while the remaining 50 per cent must be paid by the institution. Applicants must submit documents such as a registration certificate, latest electricity bill, profit-loss statements for the past three years by a chartered accountant, and income tax certificate USG-80.

In addition, dharamshalas belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes can also apply for 5 kW solar power systems (with or without battery). For these dharamshalas, the government will provide a 75 per cent subsidy, and the remaining 25 per cent will be paid by the dharamshala.