India approves incentives scheme for grid-connected rooftop solar projects

This includes small solar power projects.

The government has approved the proposed amendments to the Achievement-linked Incentives and Awards program for grid connected rooftop and small solar power projects. These amendments have come into effect April 3, 2017, according to Mercom Capital Group.

The program will be applicable to all government institutions and public sector units (PSU), according to a government release.

For projects developed under a CAPEX mode, the maximum incentive will be limited to 25 percent of the benchmark cost or the cost arrived through a competitive bidding process, whichever is lower, for general category states and union territories.

Here's more from Mercom Capital Group:

The incentive will be limited to 60 percent of the benchmark cost or the cost arrived at through a competitive bidding process, whichever is lower, for special category states and union territories.

For projects developed under the RESCO mode, the incentive amount will be up to 25 percent of the benchmark cost for general category states and union territories, and up to 60 percent of the benchmark cost for special category states and union territories.

The project commissioning timeline is 15 months for general category states and union territories, and 18 months for special category states and union territories. A minimum of 40 percent of the approved capacity must be installed to benefit from the incentives. No extensions will be given beyond the approved timeline.

To promote grid-connected solar rooftop, cash awards along with certificates or shields will be provided to various categories of stakeholders involved in implementation of the solar rooftops.