Indian State Mizoram Passes 2017 Solar Policy

• Located in the hilly terrains of north east in India, the state of Mizoram has implemented its 2017 solar power policy
• It is aiming to achieve 80 MW of ground mount and rooftop solar PV capacity by 2022
• If it achieves the same, Mizoram would accomplish its Solar Renewable Purchase Obligation of 10.5% by the target year
• The state has laid special emphasis on rooftop solar in the policy

The Indian state of Mizoram has launched its Solar Power Policy of Mizoram-2017. The state has taken up a minimum target of 80 MW of solar power capacity, including rooftop solar,

 The 80 MW target seems very low when taking into consideration that the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) estimates the state's solar potential to be around 9.09 GW. But the north eastern Indian state has only a little more than 1 million inhabitants.By the end of 2021-22, Mizoram aims to achieve its Solar Renewable Purchase Obligation of 10.5% with this target.

 For large scale grid connected solar power projects, the government will make land available to project developers depending on availability. It is also providing incentives to unemployed youth and farmers by offering 5 million INR ($77,718) per MW to set up solar power project in a solar park. Developers are eligible for incentives of 2 million INR ($31,090) per MW for solar parks, according to Mercom Capital Group.

 The policy makes it mandatory for all state government departments/institutions to install solar rooftop systems on the official buildings. Central government departments and institutions too are expected to follow suit.

 Rooftop solar power capacity of 1 kW and above will be allowed with or without battery back-up support. Consumers need to apply to access net metering for their rooftop solar systems as the state government approves such projects on a 'first come first serve' basis. Maximum capacity for rooftop solar systems for a particular distribution transformer will not be more than 40% of the rated capacity of the transformer.

 Net metering consumers who send back excess energy to the grid will be credited in units for next billing cycle.

The Zoram Energy Development Agency (ZEDA) will be the responsible entity for implementation of solar power projects in the state.

 "The Mizoram Solar Power Policy 2017 is inclusive in its approach to attain the set solar target. By providing such large incentives to unemployed youth and farmers the government has taken a unique approach to solar development," stated Mercom.

The Solar Power Policy of Mizoram-2017 can be viewed on the ZEDA website.