In addition to the already offered subsidy of 30 per cent to solar units, the Andhra Pradesh Government is planning to offer 20 per cent additional subsidy. A statement from the Energy Conservation Mission said that the additional subsidy will come through budgetary support. Households can sell extra solar power to the grid at pool cost. The AP government is planning to conduct a solar exhibition in coordination with industry and trade bodies, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry.    

The exhibition's aim is to highlight the impact of solar power for the benefit of industries, entrepreneurs and the general public.    

Sahoo, State Principal Secretary, Energy, in a statement said the accent was on harnessing solar power by encouraging industries and other entities to set up solar power plants for captive consumption as well as for third-party sale within the State. Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (AP Transco) has invited bids for procurement of 1,000 mw of solar power and received 331 bids offering 1,730 mw.    

It has offered Rs 6.49 per unit. AP Transco has agreed to provide connectivity for 779 mw of solar power for industries having captive power plants.    

At a meeting, experts from the solar energy sector and New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh deliberated on various issues relating to solar energy sector. The meeting was organised by the Gujarat Energy Research & Management Institute (Germi). M Kamalakar Babu, Vice-Chairman and MD of the AP Transco, said considerable amount of power could be saved by tapping solar power. He said the State offers to extend concessions on land registration and VAT and offer other benefits making it attractive to set up solar units.