Delhi Approves Free Rooftop Solar for 400-Unit Households

Delhi Cabinet approved the second amendment to the Delhi Solar Energy Policy, 2023, on 1 September 2026 to expand rooftop solar installation for domestic consumers. Households with an average monthly electricity consumption of up to 400 units in 2025-26 are eligible for a 3 kW solar system at zero upfront cost.

Delhi Solar Energy Policy, 2023

The Delhi Solar Energy Policy, 2023, is the policy framework for solar power deployment in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The second amendment permits free rooftop solar systems for eligible domestic consumers and links the scheme with household electricity consumption data.

Subsidy Structure and Eligibility

The funding model combines the Central Government’s ₹78,000 PM Surya Ghar subsidy with an equal ₹78,000 state subsidy. The Delhi government has also provided an additional top-up to cover any remaining installation cost for eligible households. Domestic electricity subsidies in Delhi will continue for eligible consumers alongside solar-generated savings.

• Eligible households are domestic consumers with average monthly consumption of up to 400 units.
• The standard system size announced for the scheme is 3 kW.
• The scheme uses a zero upfront cost model for installation.
• The state subsidy matches the Central Government subsidy at ₹78,000.

Implementation, Net Metering and Vendor Conditions

The Delhi government reduced the residential net-metering approval timeline from 75 days to 25 days. It also waived registration fees for solar systems up to 10 kW. Solar vendors must provide free operation and maintenance services for the first five years after installation.

Important Facts for Exams

• Net metering allows a consumer to export surplus solar electricity to the grid and receive credit in the electricity bill.
• A 3 kW rooftop solar system is a common residential capacity in Indian subsidy schemes.
• PM Surya Ghar is a Central Government rooftop solar programme for households.
• Delhi is one of the Indian states and Union Territories with a domestic electricity subsidy framework.

Targets and Capacity Addition

The Delhi government has set a target of installing solar systems on 2.30 lakh rooftops by March 2027. The stated capacity addition target for the city is 500 MW by the same date.