India’s Rooftop Solar Programme, a flagship initiative launched in 2014, is making significant strides towards its ambitious goal of achieving 40 GW of residential rooftop solar installed capacity by March 2026, currently advancing through its second phase. The scheme, officially known as Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana, has witnessed remarkable progress, with the installed capacity surging from 1.8 GW in March 2019 to an impressive 10.4 GW as of November 2023.
Key Highlights:
- Flexible Consumer Empowerment: Consumers play a pivotal role in the solar journey through DISCOM tendered projects or the dedicated National Portal (www.solarrooftop.gov.in). This flexibility allows consumers to choose vendors and solar equipment as per their preferences.
- Streamlined Process: Minister RK Singh emphasized the simplicity of the process, wherein consumers, via the National Portal, select vendors, undergo technical feasibility approval facilitated by DISCOMs, and witness the installation of the system. Subsidies are directly credited to the consumer’s bank account post-installation.
- Exporting Surplus Solar Power: The scheme promotes sustainability by allowing surplus solar power from rooftop installations to be exported to the grid, adhering to metering provisions set by State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs).
- Solar Accessibility for All: Extending solar accessibility to one crore families, the Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana aims to alleviate electricity bills for low and middle-income households. Beneficiaries can install rooftop systems through approved channels within defined capacity limits.
- Stepwise Application Procedure: Interested beneficiaries can apply through a simple six-step procedure, involving registration, login, feasibility approval, installation, net metering, and subsidy disbursement.
How to Apply – Stepwise Procedure:
Step 1: Registration in the Portal
- Select your State & Electricity Distribution Company
- Enter your Electricity Consumer Number, Mobile Number & Email
Step 2: Login
- Use Consumer Number & Mobile Number to log in
- Apply for Rooftop Solar as per the provided form
Step 3: Feasibility Approval
- Once approved, get the plant installed by registered vendors in your DISCOM
Step 4: Net Meter Installation
- After installation, submit plant details and apply for a net meter
Step 5: Commissioning Certificate
- Generated after net meter installation and DISCOM inspection
Step 6: Subsidy Disbursement
- Submit bank account details, and subsidy will be credited within 30 working days
The Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana is not only paving the way for sustainable energy but is also transforming the lives of countless families by reducing electricity bills and promoting environmental consciousness.
