Goa approves a 2 MW flexible solar rooftop project in Panaji under the Resco model, with installations planned across key civic and transport locations and implementation led by Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology at a fixed tariff.

The Goa state cabinet has approved a 2 MW rooftop solar photovoltaic sheet project using flexible solar sheets in Panaji. The project will be implemented under the Renewable Energy Service Company (Resco) model, which is a zero-investment arrangement for the government.

According to the proposal, installations are planned at the new municipal market of the Corporation of City of Panaji with 609 kW capacity, Kadamba bus stand, Panaji with 709 kW, and the car parking area at Patto with 781 kW.

Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology (Mahapreit) has been appointed to install the flexible rooftop solar sheets on a nomination basis at a tariff of Rs 5.9 per unit, with revenue sharing for roof usage at the discovered rate. The Goa Energy Development Agency (Geda) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Mahapreit to implement renewable energy projects in Goa, while the Union ministry has asked all states to install rooftop solar on government buildings.

A Geda assessment and detailed project report cover 30 MW of rooftop solar on government buildings. Panaji has been identified as a “solar city”, but the municipal market and bus stand roofs cannot bear the weight of conventional solar panels, which is about 22 to 25 kg per panel. Officials view flexible solar sheets as the only viable option to tap the city’s rooftop solar potential and partly meet Panaji’s power needs.