Residents await subsidy for solar power plants

While the UT Administration is pushing hard for solar power generation, the delay in releasing subsidy has created hurdles. Sources said many residents had been waiting for subsidy, ranging from Rs 20, 000 to over Rs 1 lakh, for more than two months. The sources said the problem started recently. Earlier, it was released within a week of the installation of a solar system. The Chandigarh Renewal Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST), which is promoting solar power in the city, is giving 30 per cent amount of the subsidy. The UT, in a notification issued on May 18, 2016, had made installation of rooftop solar power plants mandatory in houses, commercial and industrial units, measuring 500 sq yd and above, besides group housing societies. Sources said there were 7,500 residential, commercial and industrial units measuring 500 sq yd and above. The UT has fixed a target of generating 50 MW by 2022. Abdul Qayum, Additional Director of CREST, said he had not received complaints of delay in the payment of subsidy but would ensure that it is released in time.