Solar Subsidy in India

Throughout history, solar technology has evolved and become increasingly promising. Installing a solar power plant could be the best decision you can make financially and environmentally. As a result of technological advancements and cost reductions, solar energy is becoming an increasingly viable option for large organizations and individuals alike. Before you make the switch to solar it is important to understand that installing solar is a huge investment. It gives you a long time relief from paying electricity bills.

There have been efforts made at the government level to popularize mass adoption of solar. For many years, the Indian government has been subsidizing solar energy. Subsidies for solar panels are designed to encourage homeowners to go solar.

In the beginning, states devised a program to install 4 GW of solar systems at homes nationwide by December 2022. However, due to COVID-19 pandemic, the target was not achieved. The new residential installation target has been extended up to December 2024.

To encourage more no. of homeowners towards adoption of solar the government announced a National Subsidy Scheme. As the world is digitizing and so are all the processes, a National Portal for Rooftop Solar was launched on the 30th of July, 2022 for the homeowners and installers to register themselves for availing the benefits of subsidy.

The one thing that is to be noted here is that this scheme is only applicable till the government has not reached its target. The solar panel government subsidy initiative will end once the 4 GW residential solar target is reached. While the government solar panel scheme is still available, now is the perfect time to install a solar system at home.

What Is a Solar Subsidy?

The solar subsidy scheme is a financial aid provided by the government when a residential customer installs a solar power system at his home. You can save around 40% - 50% on your solar power installation with this solar subsidy scheme.

Solar subsidy scheme

Only applications registered on the National Portal until 31.12.2022 will be eligible for subsidy. After successful commissioning and installation of metering systems as per the specified procedure, the subsidy will be released by the inspecting authority (DISCOM). Retroactive application of the subsidy is not permitted.

How to calculate subsidy for your solar plant?

A subsidy will be calculated based on the lowest of the solar module capacity or solar inverters capacity or capacity approved by DISCOM. An illustration of solar subsidy calculation is shown below.

How to apply for solar subsidy?

To apply for solar subsidy you need to follow 6 steps.

Step 1. Download Sandes App and register in the National Portal For Rooftop Solar. While registering you need to select your State, Electricity Distribution Company, Electricity Consumer number, Mobile number and Email address.

Step 2. Once you have registered your account, now it's time to login. Login to your account by entering your consumer number and mobile no. Now apply for the Rooftop Solar subsidy program.

Step 3. You’ll have to wait for the approval from your DISCOM for the installation of a solar plant at your residence. After you have received the approval, you can now contact your solar installers who are registered with you DISCOMS.

Step 4. Once the installation is over, submit your plant details and apply for net metering.

Step 5. Once your plant has been inspected by your DISCOMS officials, a net meter will be installed. Also, a commissioning certificate will be issued by your DISCOM.

Step 6. After you have received your commissioning certificate, you can now upload your bank account details and a canceled cheque on the portal. Within 30 working days you will receive the subsidy amount.

If you want to know more about solar subsidy schemes or want to apply for this, schedule a call with us. We will help you with the process to get a subsidy on your solar plant.