Delhi Cabinet Approves Free Rooftop Solar Systems for Consumers Using Up to 400 Units

The Delhi Cabinet on Tuesday approved the second amendment to the Delhi Solar Energy Policy, 2023, paving the way for the free installation of rooftop solar systems of up to 3 kW for domestic consumers who consume an average of up to 400 units of electricity per month.

Under the updated policy framework, eligible residential households will receive complete financial support for setting up rooftop solar units. In addition to the ₹78,000 subsidy provided by the Central government, the Delhi government will provide a capital subsidy of ₹78,000. The Chief Minister’s Office stated that the Delhi government will also provide an additional top-up amount to cover any remaining difference between the combined subsidies and the final tendered cost of the solar plant.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta outlined the benefits for low-consumption households, stating that consumers using up to 200 units of electricity each month will not only continue to receive their electricity subsidy after installing rooftop solar systems, but will also earn an energy-saving incentive for the power they save.

The Delhi government has set an official target to install solar systems on 2.3 lakh rooftops across the city and add 500 MW of rooftop solar capacity by March 2027. Ms. Gupta noted that implementation is already progressing, with work to install rooftop solar systems on government buildings currently under way.

Power Minister Ashish Sood addressed the decision, stating that the government has “shattered the AAP’s (Aam Aadmi Party) massive lie that free electricity cannot be sustained.”

“We have not only kept free electricity alive, but have secured and institutionalised it for the next 25 years,” Mr. Sood said regarding the policy.