The Central government has recently set State-wise tentative targets for installation of grid-connected solar rooftop systems as part of its plan to achieve 40,000 MW of rooftop solar power by 2022.

Under the plan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh are expected to add higher capacities at 4,700 MW and 4,300 MW, respectively. Tamil Nadu and Gujarat have been given a target of 3,500 MW and 3,200 MW, respectively.

Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana and West Bengal are expected add rooftop capacities between 2,000 MW and 2,300 MW. All other States will add capacities in the range of 50 MW to 1,600 MW. These capacities are expected to be built between fiscal 2015-16 and 2021-22, according to an official document.

The State nodal agencies, SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India, which will be renamed as Renewable energy Corporation of India) and State power distribution companies will be in charge of implementation of this rooftop solar programme. Subsidies will also be provided through these agencies.

Funding is expected to come from various sources, including State government budget, loans from public and private banks under priority sector, subsidies from Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

The government has a scheme to provider 15 per cent subsidy on the benchmark cost for some select categories. It is not there for industrial and commercial establishments.