New Delhi :Now one can rent their rooftop for solar installations and in return get power at cheaper rates and their will be no frequent power cuts.
Sunil Jain, chief executive of Hero Future Energies said. “Around 240 sq mt of rooftop space is good enough for setting up a rooftop solar power plant that can viably sell power to the building and earn some decent profits,” he added,”In fact, some five-six companies including Hero Future Energy have already entered the fray and are on the lookout for large rooftop space in industrial complexes, commercial buildings, malls and gated communities.”
About 8sq mt of rooftop is required to set up panels to generate 1 kilo watt and a minimum capacity of 30 kW makes an installation viable. There are no model lease agreements and there is no way of making these agreements between the solar company and the roof owner.
Due to the difference in the intensity of sun’s rays the cost of generating power differs in different places. “In Delhi, solar power can be made available between Rs 6.25 and Rs 7 per unit from rooftop installations. This is cheaper for the companies that consume large volumes of power,” said Jain.
A senior executive from a solar power company said “There is a feeling that the rooftop belongs to the families staying on the top floor, hence they feel that they are entitled to the power being generated from rooftop. But legally, the roof belongs to all flat owners and the power generated should be used for common purposes,” he added.
“A standard format for legal documents and agreements for rooftop solar plants will go a long way is increasing rooftop installations even on residential apartments.”