Bhubaneswar, Dec. 8: The state government is promoting rooftop solar power generating units in the twin cities.

"Any private organisation or individual intending to set up solar generators will be given 90 per cent subsidy. But, there should be a minimum space of 120 to 150 square metres per unit," said energy minister Pranab Prakash Das.

Das said installation of rooftop solar power units in the twin cities was being promoted on priority basis.

"The Centre has set a target of generating 77MW solar power per day by 2019-20 through rooftop units across the state. The twin cities are expected to generate 4MW alone," he said.

In another development, the state government encouraged installing rooftop solar panels on the government buildings, including the secretariat and the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration, in Bhubaneswar.

The minister said there was also plans to set up an energy bank to utilise surplus solar power.

Survey is also on in Berhampur, Sambalpur and Bargarh for setting up of private units for commercial purpose. Land has so far been identified to set up commercial solar units to generate 300 to 500MW power, official sources said.

Das, however, said the production cost of solar energy in the state would be costlier, compared to hydro or thermal power.

"The cost of solar energy comes around Rs 7.25 paisa per unit, as against 80 paisa for hydro power and Rs 3 for thermal power," he said.

The cost of solar power is more in the rain-fed states such as Odisha, where as it is cheaper in sun-fed states such as Gujarat and Maharashtra, said the minister.