Delhi’s solar push: No upfront cost, free 5-year maintenance. Check details

Delhi's new solar policy aims to make rooftop solar systems more accessible to households with low electricity consumption. Eligible residents consuming up to 400 units of electricity per month will now be able to install rooftop solar systems of up to 3 kW at no initial cost. This is part of a broader effort to boost the city's installed rooftop solar capacity to 750 MW, as outlined in the amended Solar Policy announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday.

The policy also includes a five-year maintenance obligation for government-installed systems. Vendors will be responsible for operating and maintaining the systems for five years, eliminating the financial burden of maintenance on residents. After this period, consumers can choose to maintain and insure their systems through electricity distribution companies.

Existing subsidies, such as free electricity for up to 200 units and a 50% subsidy for those using 201 to 400 units, will continue. Additionally, residents can export surplus solar-generated electricity to the grid and receive payment at the average power purchase cost. The implementation will follow a utility-led aggregation model, with the Indraprastha Power Generation Company Limited (IPGCL) selecting vendors through competitive bidding and managing the installation process.