The Punjab government has decided to set up solar power photovoltaic (PV) projects of 300 MW in the state.
These projects include 200 MW canal-top solar PV power projects and 100 MW floating solar PV power projects on the reservoirs and lakes.
The proposed 200 MW canal-top solar power project will be installed in a phased manner, under which 50 MW will be installed in Phase-I, while projects of remaining capacity would be installed in subsequent phases.
These projects will be executed in build, operate and own (BOO) mode by the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA).
The viability gap funding (VGF) has been proposed to be claimed from the Department of Economic Affairs under the Union Ministry of Finance, under their scheme.
The canal-top solar power projects will be installed on small distributaries having less width, which will involve less civil works.
The cost of the canal-top solar PV projects is expected to be around Rs five crore per MW after taking into consideration of 20 percent VGF.