The Delhi government has approved a major revision to its solar energy policy, paving the way for around 2.3 lakh households to receive rooftop solar panels free of cost. The government will also take responsibility for the maintenance of the installed systems, in a bid to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and reduce household electricity expenses.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday. Gupta, along with Delhi Minister Ashish Sood, later outlined the key features of the revised Delhi Solar Energy Policy at a press conference.
Under the second amendment to the policy, households consuming up to 400 units of electricity per month will be eligible for free installation of solar panels. The government plans to complete the rollout for the targeted households by March 2027.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the move was necessitated by the relatively slow uptake of the Centre's PM Surya Ghar scheme in Delhi. To make rooftop solar more attractive, the Delhi government has decided to provide its financial incentive upfront instead of requiring beneficiaries to wait for several years.
Another significant change is the government's decision to bear the maintenance costs of the solar systems. By removing both the initial financial burden and concerns over future maintenance expenses, the revised policy seeks to make rooftop solar more accessible to ordinary households.
Under the new arrangement, the Centre will provide a subsidy of Rs 78,000 for a 3-kW solar system, while the Delhi government will provide an additional Rs 78,000. The Delhi subsidy will be available over and above the assistance provided under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
Households already receiving the subsidy applicable to electricity consumption of up to 200 units will continue to receive that benefit. The combination of electricity support and rooftop solar incentives is expected to provide eligible families with greater financial relief while encouraging them to generate clean power.
The revised policy also seeks to remove procedural hurdles. Consumers installing solar systems with a capacity of up to 10 kW will not have to pay any registration fee. The measure is intended to simplify the installation process and encourage more residents to opt for rooftop solar systems.
The policy revision comes as Delhi seeks to significantly expand its renewable energy capacity. According to the government, solar panels have so far been installed in 10,070 homes across the capital, generating around 228 MW of solar power.
The government has set an ambitious target of generating 500 MW of solar power in Delhi by February 2027. Expanding rooftop installations among residential consumers is expected to play an important role in achieving this target.
The revised policy represents a shift towards a more direct approach to promoting solar energy in the capital. By combining central and state subsidies, removing registration charges and taking responsibility for maintenance, the Delhi government hopes to address some of the key barriers that have limited household adoption.
Beyond reducing electricity expenditure for families, the expansion of rooftop solar could help Delhi increase its reliance on clean energy and reduce pressure on conventional power sources. The success of the initiative, however, will depend on timely implementation, efficient installation and maintenance, and ensuring that eligible households can access the benefits without unnecessary administrative hurdles.
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