Govt notifies draft solar policy

MARGAOrr“Around 98 per cent of the available land can be used for solar generation and only two per cent to be used for office/construction,” the policy states. rWelcoming the draft policy, Convenor, Goa Solar Power Business Group, Dilip Nayak said that the new policy with the necessary amendments will revolutionize the solar power generation in the state, making Goa a self-sufficient and uninterrupted electricity state, thus further facilitating power sharing for Goa’s industrial units. rHe, however, underlined the need to incorporate a host of suggestions, pointing out that the policy must define the quantum of power to be generated during the seven years; e-payment of subsidy to the account of the consumer/producer on site inspections; urgent formulation of policy/guidelines for fixing rates for allotment of government land for solar power. r“Goa has an advantage over other states to have almost 8-9 months of bright sunshine for generating solar power. Being eco-sensitive, the state must set up more and more solar power plants to substantially reduce the toxic emissions of gas through thermal process, thus promoting clean and green source of power,” Dilip said, while terming the draft policy as a revolutionary step by the state government which deserves huge appreciation. rHe said the new concept of Prosumer and producer will certainly facilitate many promoters, small as well as large to participate in the business of solar power generation. rReplying to a question, he said the draft policy entails single window clearance system for all sanctions/clearances from concerned departments through GEDA. “Electricity department to be proactive to provide banking/evacuation facility and connectivity to the grid,” he said.