Thiruvananthapuram: KSEB – the state power utility – has received over 15,000 applications from individuals, organizations and government departments to set up grid connected rooftop solar power units. This figure was beyond its initial expectations as KSEB had set a target to generate 200MW solar power for phase-I of the programme. Going by the interest expressed by individuals and government departments, over 200MW (small scale solar power units) would be set up in 2019.“KSEB is making a big foray into solar power generation. Our target is to establish inhouse solar power generation capacity worth 1,000 MW by 2021. This is against the statutory obligation of 700MW for the period. KSEB is offering several flexible solar power generation schemes suitable for everyone,” said KSEB CMD NS Pillai.Board officials said the interest evinced by government departments alone had surpassed the initial 200 MW mark the board had set. KSEB has two options: Either the owner can set up the plant with his/her own capital and sell the power to the board. If the building owner is not interested in spending funds, KSEB will set up the plant and share 10% of the power generated from the plant with the owner.KSEB’ total target from rooftop solar project is 500 MW over a period of time. The cost of setting up a rooftop solar unit would be Rs 45,000 to Rs 50,000 and it is expected to last a minimum of 25 years.Meanwhile, KSEB has also invited expressions of interest from persons/firms interested in inking an agreement to sell solar power (up to 200MW).The initiative, which is also conceived as a decentralized one, proposes investors with land to set up solar generating units of 1MW and sell the power to the board for 25 years.“We had held a meeting with people interested in such a project and over 100 persons participated. Considering the enhanced efficiency of solar panels, 1MW power can be generated by harvesting panels across 3.5 to 4 acres. We hope this would also materialize without much difficulty,” said KSEB officials.

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