Returns dip, rooftop solar power scheme in Karnataka trips
When the rooftop solar programme was implemented in 2015, poultry farmers and other industrialists invested crores of rupees hoping to supplement their incomes. Now, seven years later, due to rigid policy guidelines, frequent grid power interruptions and maintenance issues, they are bleeding tens of lakhs of rupees.
Poor supply to grids has meant that 15-20 per cent of the power generated is lost, they say.
According to Bescom data accessed by DH, 6,419 people have opted for grid-connected solar rooftop photo-voltaic plants under the Karnataka Solar Policy 2014-21. In all, only 11,447 people have installed solar rooftop projects across five escoms in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi and Kalaburagi.
