Ground-mounted solar can bring earnings to residential plot owners

Vacant land owners and realtors across Andhra Pradesh can now monetise and earn revenue from their unused parcels of land by partnering with power discom companies such as the Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) to set up ground-mounted solar farms on their lands to generate clean and renewable green energy.

There is a big push for decentralised solar projects via the ’Virtual Mode’ category. Stakeholders hail this concept as a revolutionary change that has the potential to change the way electricity is generated and consumed.

E. Ashok Kumar, president of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) Visakhapatnam chapter, highlighted the potential of underutilised urban lands. He said: “Several approved layouts under the urban local bodies remain unsold for months. These vacant plots can accommodate small solar units, providing an additional source of income to landowners and reducing the risk of encroachments.”

Pointing to opportunities for developers, Mr. Kumar said: “Builders can raise awareness about solar projects among homebuyers and explore integrating solar options in new layouts approved by authorities.”

APEPDCL officials explain that the solar model has undergone significant changes. It began with rooftop installations on individual homes. Later, the government introduced the ‘Virtual Mode,’ enabling applicants who cannot install systems on their current residences—such as those living in apartment flats—to set up solar units at another location and still receive the benefits virtually, from anywhere in the country.

Speaking to The Hindu, APEPDCL CMD Prudhvitej Immadi said: “Yes, individuals can install ground-mounted solar systems on open spaces including residential plots under ‘Virtual Mode’ category. Subsidised solar power is also possible if the applicant meets certain conditions formulated by the Centre.”

A meteorologist said: “With nearly 300 sunny days a year, rising electricity tariffs, and government support, Visakhapatnam offers ideal conditions for both rooftop and ground-mounted solar installations.” The insights of meteorologists while installing solar panels are important as they ensure optimisation of solar installations based on local weather patterns, urban microclimates and climate changes.

Mr. Ashok Kumar said: “We appeal to the A.P. State government to promote and encourage this option of ​​solar adoption for open spaces as there are nearly 50 lakh open privately owned plots in the State. By installing ground-mounted solar panels on vacant plots, owners can power their own homes and sell the surplus electricity to the grid.”