New Delhi: The government has approved US$ 974.65 million for setting up 1,100 mega watt (MW) grid-connected solar power plants under the first phase of the National Solar Mission.

The Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Dr Farooq Abdullah, said that the government targets to set up 1,100 mega watt (MW) grid-connected solar plants, including 100 MW capacity plants as rooftop and smaller solar power plants for the first phase of the National Solar Mission till March 2013.

In addition, the government plans to generate 20,000 MW solar power by 2022 under the three-phase National Solar Mission, with 2000 MW capacity equivalent off-grid solar applications, including 20 million solar lights, also planned to be installed during this period.

Additionally, the minister said that 200 MW capacity equivalent off-grid solar applications and 7 million square metre solar thermal collector area are also to be installed.

Around 15,789 MW grid-interactive power generation capacities have been installed through various renewable energy sources in the country, which includes 10,949 MW been produced from wind energy, according to the minister.