TN’s policy sets 9,000 MW as target for solar energy by 2023

The Tamil Nadu Solar Policy 2019, unveiled on Monday, aims at solar energy production of 9,000 MW by the year 2023

According to the policy, “Tamil Nadu will have an installed solar energy generation capacity of 9,000 MW by 2023. Of this target, 40 per cent will be earmarked for consumer category solar energy systems.” 

Through the policy, the State aims to compete with global powers and by 2023, “Tamil Nadu will be an international climate leader for emerging economies.” 

The policy lays stress on wheeling of electricity for both Low Tension (LT) and High Tension (HT) connections. Various incentives have been announced in the policy for consumers installing solar energy systems in their houses. 

“Consumer category solar energy will be exempted from electricity tax for two years from the date of this policy,” it states. Suitable incentive schemes will be designed to promote solar energy generation in the agricultural sector. 

Consumers who install solar energy systems, connect to the grid and supply excess to the grid will be paid at the rate determined by TNERC from time to time. 

The policy also seeks to give a huge fillip to promoting electric vehicles. “The government will introduce a policy to promote electric vehicles and solar energy-powered charging facilities.” Corporations, municipalities and urban bodies will be encouraged to use solar energy-based streetlights and water supply installations. All the new service connection meters in Tamil Nadu will be configured for bidirectional energy recording, according to the policy. 

It has made several improvements over the Solar Energy Policy of 2012, though it has no mention of any subsidy for consumers installing solar panels in their houses. 

However, the government has assured ‘single window system’ for technical support, funding and project clearance through cooperation between the government departments concerned, encouraging public-private partnerships and joint venture to mobilise investments in solar energy projects and manufacturing facilities research.