Patna: Tata Power and its renewable energy arm Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) are stepping up efforts to expand rooftop solar use in Bihar, targeting 5 lakh households over the next three years. The push comes as the state lags behind other states with only 25,000 installations so far.“There are around eight states, like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, which are very competitive in promoting solar energy. Bihar has achieved 25,000 installations in the last one year, but Odisha had the same number of installations last month alone,” Tata Power CEO and MD Praveer Sinha said at a function here on Thursday.Sinha said Tata Power’s share among solar energy consumers was 14% nationally and 15% in Bihar. Despite the state having three crore houses and a population of 13 crore, rooftop solar adoption remained low. “What is the reason for this?” he asked, stressing the need for a wider public outreach campaign.Sinha and TPREL CEO and MD Sanjay Banga launched three initiatives — ‘Mera Gaon, Mera Solar’ to power villages through solar energy, ‘Ghar Ghar Solar’ and battery storage solutions for consumers and businesses, including electric vehicle charging.State energy secretary Ajay Yadav and south Bihar power distribution company MD Saurabh Jorwal also attended the event.Sinha said the state govt had announced subsidies of Rs 10,000 for 1 kW and Rs 20,000 for 2 kW rooftop systems. “The central and state subsidies, along with other benefits, add up to Rs 98,000 per installation,” he said.Tata Power has also tied up with 18 bankers for financing options, while 100 partners and retailers will provide equipment and services. “Consumers can now install rooftop solar with just Rs 999 under Tata Power Solaroof’s special financing scheme,” its press note said.
