Delhi To Offer Free Three Kilowatt Rooftop Solar To 0.23 Million

The Delhi government has set a target to distribute free three kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar panels to 0.23 million (0.23 mn) households with monthly electricity consumption of up to 400 units by March 2027, the chief minister said after the Cabinet approved a revised Delhi Solar Policy. The policy directs that eligible domestic consumers will be provided rooftop solar systems of up to three kW at zero upfront cost, subject to technical feasibility. The move is intended to reduce electricity bills and lower upfront barriers to installation.

The government plans to install systems on 0.23 mn rooftops and add 500 MW of rooftop capacity by March 2027. The Delhi administration will provide a capital subsidy of Rs 78,000 alongside an equal Central subsidy, with a top-up to cover any gap with the tendered cost. Financial assistance will be paid as a one-time generation-based incentive rather than in instalments, and existing electricity subsidies will continue for eligible consumers.

Households will benefit from both the subsidy and savings generated by rooftop systems. A three kW system can generate around 300 units, enabling families to meet needs or export surplus to the grid. Payment for exported electricity will be made at the average power purchase cost of the distribution company. Consumers with consumption of up to 200 units will continue to receive the existing 100 per cent electricity subsidy and may also earn incentives against saved electricity.

The policy removes upfront installation costs, with vendors required to operate and maintain systems free of charge for five years, after which consumers may opt for maintenance and insurance via distribution companies. The net metering process has been accelerated from around 75 days to 25 days, and application and registration fees for systems up to 10 kW have been waived. Implementation will follow a utility-led aggregation model in which Indraprastha Power Generation Company Limited will select vendors via competitive bidding and handle installation, coordination and grievance redressal.

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