Delhi will provide free rooftop solar panels to 2.30 lakh homes by March 2027, with existing electricity subsidies continuing for eligible households.
Delhi Free Solar Panels: Delhi households are set to receive a major boost towards rooftop solar adoption after the Delhi Cabinet approved the second amendment to the Delhi Solar Energy Policy, 2023. Under the revised policy, eligible domestic consumers can get rooftop solar systems installed without paying the upfront installation cost.
The government has set an ambitious target of covering 2.30 lakh homes and adding 500 MW of additional rooftop solar capacity by March 2027. The initiative is designed to reduce the financial barrier that often prevents households from installing solar panels.
Who Is Eligible for Delhi Free Solar Panels?
The Delhi Free Solar Panels scheme will be available to domestic consumers whose average monthly electricity consumption was up to 400 units during FY 2025-26. Eligible households can receive rooftop solar systems of up to 3 kW, subject to technical feasibility.
One of the biggest changes under the amended policy is the removal of the initial financial burden on eligible consumers. This means households will not have to arrange the installation cost upfront.
For a 3 kW solar system, the Centre provides a subsidy of ₹78,000. The Delhi government will provide an additional ₹78,000 capital subsidy and cover the remaining gap between the available subsidy and the tendered cost through an additional top-up.
Electricity Subsidy Will Continue for Eligible Homes
A key feature of the policy is that households consuming up to 200 units of electricity will continue to receive the existing 100% electricity subsidy even after installing rooftop solar.
This means eligible consumers can benefit from both the electricity subsidy and the power generated through their rooftop solar system.
The government estimates that a 3 kW solar installation can generate approximately 300 units of electricity. If a household produces more electricity than it consumes, the surplus can be supplied to the grid through net metering.
Consumers can receive payment for surplus electricity exported to the distribution company at the applicable rate, based on the discom’s average power purchase cost.
Five Years of Free Solar System Maintenance
The revised policy also addresses concerns about the maintenance of solar panels. The vendor responsible for installing the system will provide free operation and maintenance for the first five years.
After the initial five-year period, consumers can choose maintenance and insurance services through electricity distribution companies or their empanelled agencies, subject to applicable charges.
The solar systems are expected to have an operational lifespan of around 25 years, potentially allowing households to benefit from solar generation over the long term.
Net Metering Process to Become Faster
Another important change is the reduction in the processing time for residential solar net metering.
According to the government, the process that previously took around 75 days will now be completed in approximately 25 days. Application and registration fees for residential solar installations of up to 10 kW have also been waived.
The scheme will be implemented through a utility-led aggregation model. Indraprastha Power Generation Company Limited (IPGCL) will select vendors through competitive bidding and coordinate vendor-related activities, installation support and grievance redressal.
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Delhi Targets 500 MW Additional Rooftop Solar Capacity
Delhi currently has around 10,073 solar installations, according to government figures, with many located on government buildings. These installations are collectively generating approximately 228 MW of solar power.
The amended policy aims to add another 500 MW of rooftop solar capacity by March 2027 while taking the programme to 2.30 lakh households.
The expansion is expected to increase renewable energy generation in the capital and encourage more residents to use their rooftops for electricity production.
Rekha Gupta Government’s Focus on Power Generation
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government’s objective extends beyond simply reducing electricity bills. The policy is intended to encourage households to become electricity producers as well as consumers.
The Delhi Free Solar Panels initiative is also being positioned as a major step towards making rooftop solar more accessible to ordinary families by removing the upfront financial burden.
The Delhi government has linked the revised policy with the Centre’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, with the aim of accelerating solar adoption across the national capital.
Ashish Sood Highlights Double Benefit
Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood said the Cabinet decision would protect the existing electricity subsidy while expanding rooftop solar adoption.
He also criticised former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over earlier claims surrounding free electricity, arguing that the BJP government has continued the existing benefit while introducing a new mechanism for rooftop solar adoption.
Under the revised policy, 2.30 lakh consumers are expected to receive rooftop solar systems without upfront installation costs. The government says the move could help households generate their own electricity and potentially earn from surplus power supplied to the grid.
Overall, the Delhi Free Solar Panels programme combines upfront financial support, continued electricity subsidies for eligible households, free maintenance for five years and faster net metering in an effort to accelerate rooftop solar adoption across Delhi.
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