Ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) has decided to give custom and excise duty benefits for ensuring high growth in solar rooftop sector.
In its order dated 11 April it says “The matter of extending the duty benefits to the rooftop grid connected solar PV power plants has been under consideration in this ministry for past some time. After examination of various issues involved, it has been decided to give customs and excise duty exemption certificates, with immediate effect, to all rooftop solar PV power projects upto a minimum capacity of 100 KW (Kilowatt) as a single project or bundled project,”
Experts welcomed the custom and excise duty benefits for the solar sector. However they cautioned that MNRE should also focus on maintaining the quality of solar panels being used.
India has given a huge thrust to the solar rooftop sector as it does not require pooling of land or separate transmission facilities and has minimal technical losses, unlike ground-mounted solar projects. States leading in providing solar rooftop power are Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Punjab
