Delhi Solar Policy: The Delhi government has approved major changes to the Delhi Solar Energy Policy to accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar power across the capital. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the decision at a press conference, saying the Cabinet has approved the revised policy.
Under the new arrangement, eligible households consuming up to 400 units of electricity per month will be provided a rooftop solar plant of up to 3 kW free of cost. The move is aimed at encouraging more households to switch to solar energy while reducing pressure on Delhi’s electricity infrastructure.
Why Did Delhi Change Its Solar Policy?
According to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the PM Surya Ghar scheme was not gaining the expected momentum in Delhi. The government reviewed the reasons behind the slow adoption and introduced practical changes to make rooftop solar more attractive and accessible to consumers.
The revised policy focuses on reducing the financial burden on households while also addressing concerns related to installation and maintenance.
Key Changes in Delhi’s Solar Policy
The amended policy includes several benefits for domestic consumers:
- Upfront incentive payment: The incentive that would previously have been paid over a period of five years will now be provided upfront at the time of solar installation.
- Five years of free maintenance: The vendor installing the solar system will be responsible for its maintenance for the next five years without charging the consumer.
- No application fee: Domestic consumers installing solar systems of up to 10 kW will not have to pay an application fee.
Existing Electricity Subsidy to Continue
The government has said that the existing electricity subsidy available to eligible consumers will continue.
In addition, households can benefit from surplus electricity generated by their rooftop solar systems. Through net metering, excess power can be supplied to the electricity grid, potentially helping consumers reduce their electricity bills and earn additional income.
Delhi Sets Major Solar Expansion Target
According to figures cited by the Delhi government, solar panels have currently been installed on 10,073 rooftops, generating around 228 MW of solar power.
The government aims to increase solar power generation to 500 MW by the end of the current financial year. It has also set a target of installing around 2.27 lakh solar installations by March 2027.
Government’s Plan to Turn Homes Into Energy Producers
Energy Minister Ashish Sood described the decision as a major step for Delhi’s energy sector. He said the policy could help strengthen the city’s electricity infrastructure, lower power costs for consumers and contribute to environmental protection.
The government’s objective is not limited to providing affordable or subsidised electricity. It also wants more households to become energy producers by generating electricity from rooftop solar systems.
The revised policy is expected to make rooftop solar more accessible to Delhi households and accelerate the city’s transition towards cleaner energy.
