Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for implementation of Phase-III of Off-grid and Decentralised Solar PV (Photo Voltaic) Application Programme.

It aims at achieving additional 118 Mega Watt peak off-grid solar PV capacity by 2020.

Under programme, three lakh solar street lights will be installed throughout the country with special emphasis on areas where there is no facility for street lighting systems through grid power, North Eastern States and Left Wing Extremism affected districts.

Solar power plants of individual size up to 25 KWP will be promoted in areas where grid power has not reached or is not reliable.

25 lakh numbers of solar study lamps will be provided in North Eastern States and LWE affected districts. The total project of the three components included under the Phase-III is 1895 crore rupees of which 637 crore rupees will be provided as central financial assistance.

The off-grid solar systems will also open better livelihood opportunities for beneficiaries in rural and remote areas thereby increasing self-employment in such areas.