Solar panelling to become key condition to clearances

Builders seeking clearances from government agencies would get them in future, only if they show provision to install solar panels.

A proposal to this effect by the Bangalore Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (Bescom) has secured in-principle approval from Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, Chief Secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar and the heads of Bangalore Development Authority and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike.

Bescom managing director Rajendra Cholan tabled the proposal during a recent review meeting with Kumaraswamy, and 15 days ago at the Bengaluru development meeting chaired by the chief secretary. Once the paper — currently under preparation — is ready, the BDA and BBMP will send it to the government.

Despite being introduced two years ago, the response for the roof-top solar panels has been poor, Cholan said, adding that the city currently has 986 installations of solar panels, 771 of which are residential.

Lack of space and cost factors are often given as reasons for not installing solar panels. With more high-rise buildings, personal space has reduced, giving rise to expansive common spaces.

"We're suggesting that common spaces in high-rise structures such as roof-tops should be utilised for (installing) solar panels," Cholan said.

An ongoing study by the IISc's Centre for Infrastructure, Sustainable Transportation and Urban Planning (CiSTUP) estimates the potential for solar power to be 2GW. A detailed study of sunny and shadowy areas will be made and submitted soon to Bescom.

Bescom has proposed three ways it could help the consumers: tying them up with the banks to raise money for solar roof-top panels, lower the panel tariff by introducing gross and net metering options and directly invest in the panels.

Under the first and third options, Cholan said the consumer should sell off their solar panels to Bescom for five years, following which it would belong to them.