PANJIM: Former BJP Panjim MLA Siddharth Kuncaliencar today said that Goa does not have the potential to produce solar energy on a commercial level.
“There is no potential to produce solar energy in Goa on a commercial basis. Solar potential means that what percent of sunlight gets converted to energy. In Goa its only 57 percent whereas in Central part of the country its almost 75-80 percent.” said Kuncaliencar
He said, “For example if we put panels above our houses it will produce only 57 percent while 40 percent will remain idle which is not possible in a commercial way.
He further said that Goa also does not have the the space required to set a solar panel farm. Also 500 acres of land is required.
The Goa government had approved the amendments in the Goa State Solar Policy – 2017. The policy aims to provide subsidy of up to 50 percent for small prosumers in residential, institutional, and social sector category with solar plants up to 100 kW capacity.
As per the amended policy, the center will provide 30 percent subsidy which will be credited to the prosumer as per the guidelines of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The remaining share of 20 percent out of 50 percent will be provided by the state government. The state subsidy will be released after the solar project injects power into the grid for six months.
